Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon together inaugurated the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, in the capital of India on Monday. Organised annually by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the event has become an influential platform for global leaders, policymakers, scholars and industry experts to discuss critical international issues.

The three-day conference comprises representatives from approximately 125 countries, with deputy prime ministers and foreign ministers from nearly 20 nations in attendance. Among the notable participants is Ukraine’s Foreign Minister.

In his keynote speech, Luxon highlighted the increasing economic vitality of the Indo-Pacific region, saying that “India and New Zealand are fortunate to be part of one of the most economically vibrant regions in the world.” He pointed out that the Indo-Pacific will drive two-thirds of global economic growth in the coming years and will be home to most middle-class consumers by 2030. The New Zealand Prime Minister also stressed India’s significant role in this shift, noting that “our trade has diversified considerably, with India now serving as a key supplier of pharmaceuticals and machinery, while New Zealand continues to be a significant destination for Indian students and tourists.” Luxon acknowledged the strong connections between the two nations, mainly through the Indian diaspora. He stated, "New Zealanders of Indian heritage make up 11% of Auckland’s population and are fully integrated into our multicultural society.”

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of discussions like those at the Raisina Dialogue in shaping the evolving global order. He remarked, “This forum fosters honest conversations, fresh ideas, and creative solutions.”

Earlier in the day, Modi and Luxon engaged in bilateral discussions, focusing on crucial areas of collaboration such as trade, digital payments, and defence. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to restarting negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after a ten-year pause. In the 2023-24 period, India's merchandise exports to New Zealand amounted to $535 million, while imports totalled $335.07 million, bringing the overall trade value to $873 million.

A joint statement issued after the discussions highlighted the goal of enhancing trade and investment in various sectors, including dairy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. The statement further stated, “By leveraging each country’s strengths and addressing concerns, a bilateral trade agreement can foster mutually beneficial economic growth.”

In addition, both countries inked numerous memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on areas like horticulture, forestry, and earthquake mitigation. They also signed a landmark agreement to institutionalise defence and security cooperation. Prime Minister Modi expressed concerns about anti-India activities happening in New Zealand during a joint media briefing, hinting at the presence of pro-Khalistani elements. He said, “We have shared our concerns regarding anti-India activities, and we are confident of continued cooperation from the New Zealand government in addressing these illegal activities.”

Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s dedication to upholding a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, emphasising the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stated, “We want to live in a region where countries are free to choose their own paths without external interference,” indirectly addressing regional geopolitical tensions. He also reiterated New Zealand’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and acknowledged India's growing influence on the global stage. He highlighted India’s importance, "As a key player in an increasingly multipolar world, India’s leadership is crucial to maintaining stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”

Modi and Luxon reaffirmed their nations' commitment to upholding free navigation and maritime security in line with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

As the Raisina Dialogue continues over the next two days, discussions will cover six key themes and focus primarily on global stability, economic resilience and technological progress. This year’s theme, “Kālachakra – People, Peace and Planet,” aims to promote dialogue on sustainable development and international collaboration.