India and New Zealand have signed a key defence cooperation agreement and committed to enhancing dialogue on maritime safety during bilateral talks held in New Delhi on Monday. The pact was announced after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on an official visit to India.

The meeting marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations, as both leaders pledged closer collaboration across key sectors, including defence, education, immigration, and trade.

Luxon received a formal welcome from Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House, where the two leaders exchanged a handshake and brief hug before entering into private talks. They began with a 20-minute closed-door meeting, followed by broader discussions that included officials and ministers from both sides for another 30 minutes.

Following their meeting, Prime Minister Modi confirmed that both nations have agreed to strengthen and institutionalise their defence and security partnership. He also stated that India and New Zealand will prepare a specific roadmap for collaboration in the defence industry sector, signalling a deepening of strategic relations between the two countries.

The agreement comes as New Zealand, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, expands its engagement with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi emphasised that both India and New Zealand share a common vision for peace and security in the region, underlining the importance of maintaining stability in the face of rising tensions.

Commitment to a Free and Secure Indo-Pacific

Highlighting their shared values, Prime Minister Modi said, "India and New Zealand support a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific." He added, "We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism," a remark widely interpreted as a veiled reference to China’s assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific.

The agreement and Modi's statement reflect growing concerns over regional security, especially in response to China’s increasing military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific. Both leaders agreed that closer cooperation between India and New Zealand is essential to ensure maritime safety and uphold the rules-based international order.

Focus on Military Cooperation and Indo-Pacific Security

At a joint press conference following their meeting, Luxon emphasised New Zealand’s commitment to expanding military cooperation with India, particularly in addressing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.

He noted that the two nations are working closely on maritime security, with New Zealand leading a joint taskforce to protect critical trade routes and combat threats such as smuggling, piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.

"I reiterated New Zealand's strong commitment to working with India to address shared concerns over our respective interests and contributions to ensure a strong, stable, and prosperous region," Luxon said during the press conference.

PM Modi echoed similar sentiments, underlining the importance of regional security and shared values. "We both support a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. We believe in policies of development, not expansionism," Modi said, highlighting a common stance against aggressive regional behaviour.

Agreements on Education, Immigration, Counter-Terrorism, and Trade

In addition to military cooperation, Modi announced that India and New Zealand will increase collaboration in education, immigration and counter-terrorism efforts, deepening their strategic partnership.

The two leaders also oversaw the signing of several Memorandums of Cooperation (MoC), including agreements on sports and horticulture.

Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay detailed the scope of the horticulture memorandum, emphasising its potential to boost bilateral trade. "Kiwi fruit will be the first significant achievement under this partnership, already worth $600 million. And this agreement has the potential to create up to $1 billion in reciprocal horticultural benefits over the next decade," McClay explained.

He added that the agreement will promote technical exchanges, training, and improved harvest management, further integrating the agricultural sectors of both countries.

Strengthening Forestry and Launch of Free Trade Negotiations

McClay also announced enhanced cooperation in the forestry sector, pointing out that many New Zealand forestry exporters have established relationships in India and are eager to expand.

"This agreement will lay the groundwork for cooperation in sustainable forest management, agroforestry, research and innovation, education, and capacity building," he said.

Earlier in the day, India and New Zealand officially launched negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA), aiming to significantly deepen economic ties.

Prime Minister Luxon's visit to India and his meeting with Prime Minister Modi marked an important milestone in bilateral relations, with both nations agreeing to strengthen military collaboration, expand trade opportunities, and address shared security concerns. The visit also set the stage for long-term partnerships in agriculture, forestry, and education, while formalising the start of FTA negotiations that could reshape economic relations in the coming years. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, laying the foundation for a more robust and multifaceted partnership.