Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to New Zealand rival Christopher Luxon at a joint press conference held at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on March 17, 2025. Image source: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
India and New Zealand signed a large-scale convention on Monday (17 March 2025) to institutionalize their defense and security relations, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern about his kiwi fruit for certain illegal elements, thus carrying out some illegal elements of anti-Indian activities in Pacific island countries.
Mr Modi and visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a wide speech focused on strengthening overall bilateral relations, especially in the areas of trade, defence, education and agriculture.
In his media statement, Modi said that both sides decided to strengthen and institutionalize defense and security partnerships and prepare for cooperation in the field of defense industry.
“We both stand against terrorism. Whether it is the Christchurch terrorist attack on March 15, 2019 or the Mumbai 26, 2008, any form of terrorism is unacceptable.”
The Prime Minister said strict action is necessary for those who commit terrorist attacks.
“We will continue to work with terrorists, separatists and radicals,” Modi said.
“In this case, we share the concerns about anti-Indian activities in some illegal factors in New Zealand,” he said.
Mr Modi said India is confident that it will continue to get cooperation from the New Zealand government with all these “illegal elements”.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that India and New Zealand decided to start negotiations on a mutually beneficial free trade agreement.
“This will promote the potential of mutual trade and investment. Mutual cooperation and investment in areas such as dairy, food processing and pharmaceuticals will be encouraged.”
Mr Modi said India and New Zealand support a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific.
“We believe in development policy, not expansionism,” he said.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand said Mr Modi, who discussed the challenging strategic prospects of the Indo-Pacific region.
“I reaffirm our shared commitment to addressing our shared concerns about our respective interests to promote a prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Luxon said.
publishing – March 17, 2025 at 2:45 pm IST
