India, New Zealand Ink Defence Pact As PM Modi, PM Christopher Luxon Hold Bilateral Talks

PM Modi and PM Luxon expressed support for a free and open Indo-Pacific, condemning terrorism and expansionism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held bilateral talks in Delhi on Monday.

Source : PTI

India and New Zealand inked a defence cooperation pact on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held delegation-level talks in New Delhi. 

PM Luxon arrived in the nationa capital on Sunday for his five-day visit with a focus of deepening bilateral trade and economic ties. 

The two leaders held a bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House in Delhi on Monday. 

"New Zealand and India bookend the Indo-Pacific, but distance is no barrier to our pursuit of a brighter future for both our nations," said the New Zealand PM on social media thanking Modi for welcoming to New Delhi. 

New Zealand and India bookend the Indo-Pacific, but distance is no barrier to our pursuit of a brighter future for both our nations.

Thank you for welcoming me to New Delhi, Prime Minister @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/PiEFvPuxmQ

— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) March 17, 2025

India-New Zealand Joint Statement 

Following the bilateral meeting, Modi and Luxon witnessed the exchange of agreements between the two countries. 

"Today, we have just concluded a series of very highly productive meetings. We also witnessed a number of government arrangements that will strengthen the growing ties between India and New Zealand," said the 54-year-old New Zealand PM during a joint press conference.  

He further said that he and PM Modi "have discussed a wide range of topics" and hoped that the meeting "has left PM Modi with no doubt about the profound depth of New Zealand's commitment to building a deep and enjoying relationship with India." 

Delivering the joint statement, Modi said both the countries "support a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. We believe in policy of development, not expansionism." He welcomed New Zealand on joining the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative. 

He further said that India has shared its concern regarding anti-Idnai activities in New Zealand and added that the two countries will formulate an agreement to deal with the issue of illegal migration.

Speaking on the issue of terrorism, PM Modi mentioned the 2019 Christchurch mosque attack and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, saying "Terrorism is unacceptable in every manner."