As both Modi and Luxon backed a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Modi said they decided to strengthen and institutionalise defence and security collaboration. In addition to joint exercises, training and port visits, a roadmap for bilateral defence industry collaboration will be developed, he said.
With an eye on China, the PM also said in his media statement after the meeting that India believed in the policy of development and not expansionism. Presence of Khalistani separatists in the Five Eyes, English-speaking countries that share an intelligence alliance, and their efforts to hurt Indian interests remain a major concern for India. After raising that issue, Modi took Luxon to Rakabganj Gurdwara for a tour of the Sikh shrine.
PM Modi said both sides would continue to cooperate in combating terrorist, separatist and extremist elements. He said India had shared its concerns about anti-India activities by certain illegal elements in New Zealand. “We’re confident that we will continue to receive full cooperation of New Zealand govt against such illegal elements,” he said. “We stand united against terrorism. Whether it is Christchurch terrorist attack of March 15, 2019, or Mumbai attack of Nov 26, 2008, terrorism in any form is unacceptable. Strict action must be taken against those responsible for such attacks,” he said.
On FTA, Modi said it would increase the potential for bilateral trade and investment. “Mutual cooperation and investment shall be encouraged in fields such as dairy, food processing and pharma. We have given priority to mutual cooperation in the areas of renewable energy and critical minerals,” the PM said. “Indian community living in New Zealand is making a valuable contribution to the country’s social and economic development. We have agreed to work swiftly on an agreement to simplify the mobility of skilled workers and address issues related to illegal migration,” he added.
In a joint statement, the two leaders reaffirmed right of freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as also the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes. New Zealand joined India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Luxon strongly reiterated New Zealand’s support for a permanent seat for India in a reformed UN Security Council both in the meeting with Modi, and also while speaking as the guest of honour at the Raisina Dialogue.
Both endorsed increasing defence engagements, including through participation in military exercises, staff college exchanges, regular port calls by naval ships, and exchange of high-level defence delegations. They referred to upcoming port call in Mumbai by Royal New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Te Kaha. Modi and Luxon backed territorial integrity and sovereignty in the Indo-Pacific, and also expressed support for a just and lasting peace based on respect for international law in Ukraine war. They also backed a two-state solution for Gaza.
The two reiterated their “absolute condemnation” of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and the use of terrorist proxies in cross-border terrorism. “Both stressed need for all countries to take immediate, sustained, measurable and concrete action against UN-proscribed terrorist organisations and individuals. They called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks,” the joint statement said.
