India, NZ pledge partnership in defence, sports, education

India and New Zealand have expanded their partnership across various sectors, including the resumption of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations — nearly a decade after talks failed to yield results.

The two sides have agreed to hold the first round of negotiations next month. The FTA talks were stalled in 2015 due to unresolved differences in sensitive areas such as dairy and agriculture. India has traditionally protected its dairy sector, which is dominated by cooperative milk producers.

The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon here.

“India and New Zealand have decided to begin detailed negotiations on a mutually beneficial FTA,” Modi said.

Beyond trade, both nations pledged deeper engagement in sectors, including defence, security, sports, education, horticulture and environment.

Describing economic ties with India as a “key priority”, Luxon said, “India holds significant potential for New Zealand in exports by value over the next 10 years.” Bilateral trade between the two countries currently stands at under $2 billion (around Rs 17,000 crore) annually.

The move to restart trade talks with New Zealand follows Delhi’s relaunch of FTA negotiations with the European Union and the UK. Last year, India signed a $100 billion FTA with the European Free Trade Association — a bloc of four non-EU European nations — after nearly 16 years of discussions.

For Delhi, these trade talks have gained renewed significance amid US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tit-for-tat tariffs on imported goods, including those from India, effective April 2.

Modi and Luxon also signed a defence cooperation pact to enhance maritime security and explored potential collaboration in digital payments. “We have decided to strengthen and institutionalise our defence and security partnership,” Modi said at a joint press briefing. “Along with joint exercises, training and port visits, a roadmap will be developed for cooperation in the defence industry,” he added.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, emphasising a policy of “development, not expansionism”. Modi’s remarks come amid growing concerns over China’s assertive actions in the region, particularly in the South China Sea.

India and New Zealand also launched negotiations to facilitate the mobility of professionals and skilled workers, with New Zealand joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Additionally, both nations signed a Memorandum of Cooperation covering horticulture, sports and education.