India-New Zealand Bilateral Relations: Key Outcomes of PM Christopher Luxon’s Visit

Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, visited India from March 16-20, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was his first official visit to India in his current capacity. During his visit, he engaged in bilateral talks with PM Modi, participated in the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue as the Chief Guest, and met with President Droupadi Murmu. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, defence, education, and multilateral cooperation. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to enhancing people-to-people ties, maritime security, climate action, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Highlights of the Visit

Diplomatic and Strategic Engagements

• PM Luxon received a warm and traditional welcome in New Delhi.
• He laid a wreath at Raj Ghat in honor of Mahatma Gandhi.
• PM Modi and PM Luxon held bilateral talks, reaffirming shared democratic values and strengthening cooperation in trade, security, education, and technology.
• PM Luxon was the Chief Guest at the 10th Raisina Dialogue, delivering the Inaugural Keynote Address.
• Both leaders emphasized strengthening multilateral cooperation and ensuring a stable Indo-Pacific region.

Economic & Trade Cooperation

• Both sides welcomed sustained trade and investment flows and encouraged business collaborations.
• The launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations was announced to enhance economic ties.
• Discussions initiated on digital payments cooperation within the FTA framework.
• The Authorized Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) was signed to facilitate trade.
• New cooperation on horticulture and forestry was established through MOUs and Letters of Intent.
• Tourism and aviation ties were strengthened, with an update to the Air Services Agreement and plans for direct flight operations.

Defence and Security Cooperation

• Defence cooperation was expanded with the signing of the India-New Zealand MoU on Defence Cooperation.
• Increased participation in military exercises, officer exchanges, and naval port calls.
• New Zealand welcomed India’s participation in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
• Both sides agreed on regular dialogue for maritime safety and security.
• New Zealand expressed interest in joining India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
• Cooperation on the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Gujarat was discussed.

Science, Technology & Disaster Management

• Strengthened partnerships in research, technology, and innovation.
• Focus on low-emission climate-resilient economies and India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
• New Zealand joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
• Progress towards a Memorandum of Cooperation on earthquake mitigation.

Education, Mobility & Cultural Exchange

• Expansion of education partnerships and opportunities for Indian students in New Zealand.
• Discussions on mobility arrangements for professionals and skilled workers.
• Signing of a refreshed Education Cooperation Arrangement.
• Signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation on Sports, marking 100 years of sporting ties.
• Promotion of traditional medicine and increased cooperation in yoga, music, dance, and festivals.

Regional & Multilateral Cooperation

• Both sides emphasized an open, inclusive, and stable Indo-Pacific region.
• New Zealand endorsed India’s bid for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
• Joint commitment to counterterrorism and disrupting terrorist financing networks.
• Support for a two-state solution for Israel-Palestine peace and a negotiated settlement for the Ukraine war.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	India-New Zealand Bilateral Relations: Key Outcomes of PM Christopher Luxon’s Visit (March 16-20, 2025)
Diplomatic Engagements	Bilateral talks, Raisina Dialogue keynote, Raj Ghat tribute, meeting with President Murmu.
Trade & Investment	Launch of FTA negotiations, AEO-MRA for trade facilitation, focus on digital payments.
Defence & Security	MoU on Defence Cooperation, participation in Combined Maritime Forces, maritime security talks.
Science & Technology	Cooperation in climate action, disaster resilience, earthquake mitigation research.
Education & Mobility	Strengthening education ties, skill mobility discussions, renewed Education Cooperation Agreement.
Sports & Culture	MoU on sports, recognition of 100 years of sporting ties, promotion of yoga, music, and festivals.
Regional & Global Issues	Indo-Pacific cooperation, support for India’s UNSC bid, counterterrorism, Ukraine & Palestine peace discussions.