India, New Zealand forge strategic partnership - EUROPE SAYS
India and New Zealand have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership following talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. . .
India and New Zealand have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership following talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during Modi’s visit to New Zealand. According to Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal, the two leaders held “wide-ranging and productive talks” covering trade and commerce, as well as defence and security,News. Azreports, citingAnadolu Agency. Modi’s trip marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in 40 years. “In a significant step, both leaders decided to elevate the bilateral ties to strategic partnership,” Jaiswal wrote on X. The leaders also discussed the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. The visit concluded with the exchange of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and cooperation arrangements, including in the defence sector, aimed at further strengthening the India–New Zealand partnership, Jaiswal said. In a joint statement, the two prime ministers agreed to maintain regular structured engagement between their defence ministries and military services and pledged to strengthen maritime cooperation. The statement also saidIndiaand New Zealand would work toward the goal of doubling bilateral trade in goods and services by 2030. Addressing international issues, the two leaders expressed concern over the “renewed escalation” of tensions in the Middle East and urged all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions and ensure the protection of civilians. “They called for full restoration of freedom of navigation and the global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, while opposing any constraints on shipping,” the joint statement said. It added that the two leaders “reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, and adherence to international law to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict. ”News. AzBy Nijat BabayevTags:christopher-luxonIndiaNarendra Modinew zealand