Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart of New Zealand Christopher Luxon held bilateral talks in New Delhi today, after which the two countries signed an important defense agreement.
The discussion between the two leaders focuses on strengthening the overall bilateral relations, especially in business, defense, education, sports, agriculture and people’s relations with people. The two sides also decided to start a interacted -beneficial free trade agreement or a conversation on FTA.
During the meeting, India and New Zealand decided to institutionalize their defense and safety relations. PM Modi also highlighted the concerns of New Delhi on some illegal elements that have completed anti -India activities in the Pacific island nation.
In his statement after a meeting with Prime Minister Luxon, PM Modi said, “We are both unanimous against terrorism. Whether it is a Christchurch terrorist attack on March 15, 2019, or in the Mumbai attack of 26 November 2008, terrorism is unacceptable in any form, and strict action is necessary against those guilty of terrorist attacks.”
He said India and New Zealand “would continue cooperating together against terrorists, separatists and radical elements,” saying that “in this context, we shared our concern about anti -India activities by some illegal elements in New Zealand.”
India said, “It is convinced that it will continue to get support from the New Zealand government against all these illegal elements.”
Prime Minister Modi also said that the two sides have agreed to strengthen their defense and security partnership and institution, and a roadmap will be prepared for cooperation in the defense industry sector.
Apart from defense and security, PM Modi also said that India and New Zealand have decided to start negotiations for mutually beneficial free trade treaty. “It will promote mutual trade and investment capacity,” he said that “mutual cooperation and investment will be encouraged in areas such as dairy, food processing and pharma.”
The two leaders also discussed a new system between India and New Zealand to facilitate the dynamics of professionals and skilled workers. The proposed arrangement on the dynamics of the skilled workforce will facilitate the movement of professionals, which will promote strong people’s relationship and economic opportunities.
New Zealand also formally joined the Indo-Pacific Onson Initiative (IPOI) and became a member of the alliance for the Disaster Resident Infrastructure (CDRI), marking his deep engagement in the regional and global structure.
Another major compromise signed by the two countries is the authorized economic operator – mutual recognition agreement or AEO -MRA. The purpose of the agreement is to streamline trade processes and increase customs cooperation.
Additionally, a memorandum of cooperation on horticulture was signed between the Ministry of Agriculture of India and the welfare of farmers and the Ministry of New Zealand for primary industries. The Ministry of External Affairs said that a letter of forestry intention was also exchanged between India’s Ministry of Environment Ministry, Forest and Climate Change and its New Zealand counterpart.
Further deep cooperation, a education cooperation agreement between the Ministries of the two nations, with a memorandum of cooperation in the Sports of India’s Youth Affairs and Sports and New Zealand, was signed between the Ministries of the two nations.
(Input from PTI and ANI)
