New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s official visit to India from March 16 to 20, 2025, marked a significant milestone in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The visit encompassed high-level discussions, participation in key forums, and initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
Key Highlights of the Visit
1. Bilateral Meetings with Indian Leadership
On March 17, Prime Minister Luxon met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions covering defense, security, trade, education, tourism, sports, and cultural cooperation. They also signed agreements to enhance collaboration in defense, food processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and critical minerals.
Additionally, Prime Minister Luxon called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where they emphasized the close and friendly relations between India and New Zealand, rooted in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties.
2. Revival of Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
A significant outcome of the visit was the agreement to resume negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand after a decade-long hiatus. The proposed FTA aims to expand trade in sectors such as agriculture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. India’s Trade Minister, Piyush Goyal, highlighted that the pact could potentially increase bilateral trade tenfold over the next ten years.
3. Participation in the Raisina Dialogue
Prime Minister Luxon was the Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue on March 17, 2025, in New Delhi. He delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of collaborative approaches to global challenges and highlighting the shared values between India and New Zealand.
4. Engagement with the Business Community
During his visit to Mumbai on March 19-20, Prime Minister Luxon interacted with Indian business leaders and representatives from various sectors. These engagements aimed to bolster economic ties and explore new avenues for investment and collaboration, positioning New Zealand as a favorable destination for business and trade.
Implications for India-New Zealand Relations
Prime Minister Luxon’s visit has set a positive trajectory for India-New Zealand relations, with renewed commitments to deepen cooperation across multiple domains. The revival of FTA negotiations and the signing of various agreements reflect a mutual desire to enhance economic and strategic partnerships. As both nations navigate the complexities of the Indo-Pacific region, such engagements underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting regional stability and prosperity.
For more insights into the visit, you can watch the following coverage:
