India, New Zealand sign 5 agreements

India and Nee Zealand have exchanged five agreements in the fields of Defence, Education, Sports, Horticulture and Forestry. Both sides also exchanged authorised economic mutual recognition agreement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held talks with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in New Delhi. The discussions covered various aspects of India-New Zealand relations. In his press statement, Modi said, they had detailed discussions on various aspects of the bilateral relations and both sides decided to strengthen and institutionalise the defence and security partnership. He said, along with Joint Exercises, Training, Port Visits, a roadmap will be prepared for mutual cooperation also in the defence industry.  
The Prime Minister said, it has been decided to initiate negotiations on a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement between the two countries which will boost the potential for mutual trade and investment. He said, along with coaching and exchange of players in sports, both also emphasized on cooperation in sports science, psychology and medicine. Modi said, it has been decided to celebrate 100 years of sports relations between the two countries next year.  
He said, India shared its concerns regarding anti-India activities by some unlawful elements in New Zealand and expressed confidence that India will continue to receive the support of the New Zealand government against all these illegal elements. The Prime Minister said, be it the Christchurch terror attack of  2019 or the Mumbai attack 2008, terrorism in any form is unacceptable. He said, strict action is necessary against those guilty of terror attacks. Modi said, India and New Zealand will continue to cooperate against terrorist, separatist and radical elements. He said,  both sides support a Free, Open, Secure, and Prosperous Indo-Pacific and believe in the policy of development, not expansionism.

List of outcomes: Official visit of Prime Minister of New Zealand to India pic.twitter.com/JqMjKHZfRF

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 17, 2025

In a notable announcement, Luxon stated that New Zealand would increase its diplomatic presence in India by more than 60 percent, underscoring his country’s commitment to furthering the relationship with India. Luxon extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit New Zealand at his convenience, further cementing the growing diplomatic engagement between the two nations.Luxon expressed New Zealand’s commitment to addressing anti-India activities by illegal elements operating in the country, underscoring the importance of joint efforts to tackle terrorism. Luxon, who was accompanied by New Zealand cricket greats Ross Taylor and Ajaz Patel, praised the strong sporting ties between the two nations, jokingly referring to the recent Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand.
Luxon also identified renewable energy, critical minerals, forestry, and horticulture as priority sectors for investment and collaboration. He expressed optimism that the delegation accompanying him would explore new opportunities in India. Luxon, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, is the first New Zealand Prime Minister to visit India in nine years.