New Zealand PM Luxon has expressed his deep admiration for India, praising the country’s culture, progress, and contribution to New Zealand’s diverse society.
His comments came during a ‘fantastic’ bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ASEAN-India Summit. Luxon’s words not only reflect his personal respect for India but also signal a renewed focus on strengthening ties between the two nations.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties: A Productive Meeting with New Zealand PM Luxon
The recent meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Christopher Luxon at the ASEAN-India Summit marked an important moment for the relationship between India and New Zealand. Luxon described the encounter as “fantastic” and emphasized his desire to build a “deeper, broader, and stronger” relationship with India.
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His remarks reflect a growing interest in India’s potential as a key partner in various sectors, including trade, investment, and technological innovation.
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India and New Zealand have shared diplomatic relations for decades, but Luxon’s words signal a fresh enthusiasm to elevate this relationship to new heights. India is already New Zealand’s largest export destination in South Asia, with strong ties in areas like agriculture and dairy, which are crucial to New Zealand’s economy.
The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation across several sectors, including trade and investment, defence, renewable energy, education, tourism, and space exploration.
Luxon’s reference to Indians in New Zealand, who he described as hardworking and highly successful, also reflects a significant aspect of the bilateral relationship. The Indian diaspora in New Zealand plays a vital role in the country’s social and economic fabric.
#WATCH | Vientiane, Lao: After his bilateral meeting with PM Modi, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon says, "I'm a big fan of India…It's a country I love, admire tremendously. Indians back at home in New Zealand have done exceptionally well in New Zealand. They're very inspiring.… pic.twitter.com/TjGOWiKIpY
— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2024
Luxon’s recognition of their contribution underscores the importance of people-to-people ties, which serve as a foundation for stronger bilateral relations. The Indian community in New Zealand, which has grown significantly over the years, now makes up a substantial part of the population, contributing to sectors ranging from business to academia.
Expanding Cooperation: Key Sectors of Focus
During their bilateral meeting, Modi and Luxon discussed a range of areas where cooperation could be deepened, signaling a commitment to building a multifaceted partnership. Some of the key sectors of focus included trade, defence, renewable energy, and education.
Trade and Investment: India and New Zealand already have a strong economic relationship, but there is potential for much more. Luxon and Modi discussed ways to further boost trade and investment between the two countries. India, with its rapidly growing economy and huge consumer market, presents significant opportunities for New Zealand businesses. At the same time, New Zealand’s expertise in areas like dairy, agri-tech, and technology can provide valuable resources for India’s economic development.
Defence and Security: The two leaders also touched upon the importance of enhancing defence cooperation. In a world where security challenges are increasingly complex and interconnected, collaboration between like-minded democracies is crucial. India and New Zealand share a commitment to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, making them natural partners in efforts to maintain regional stability. Defence collaboration could range from joint military exercises to sharing intelligence and technology.
Renewable Energy: Another area of interest is renewable energy. New Zealand’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), an initiative led by India, was welcomed by PM Modi. The ISA aims to promote solar energy and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, a goal that aligns with New Zealand’s commitment to sustainable development. By working together, India and New Zealand can contribute to global efforts to combat climate change and promote green energy solutions.
Education and Innovation: Education is another vital area where the two countries can collaborate. Many Indian students choose New Zealand as a destination for higher education, contributing to the cultural and intellectual exchange between the two nations. Expanding educational ties and fostering innovation in areas like technology, science, and research could further strengthen the bond between India and New Zealand.
Geopolitical Context: A Growing Partnership in Asia-Pacific
The meeting between Modi and Luxon comes at a time when the geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region is undergoing significant changes. As global power dynamics shift, countries like India and New Zealand are seeking to deepen partnerships to safeguard their interests and promote regional stability.
India’s growing role as a regional power and New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order make them natural allies in the Asia-Pacific.
One of the key platforms for cooperation between India and New Zealand is the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries have a shared interest in ensuring a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, where the rule of law is respected, and countries can pursue their development goals without coercion.
New Zealand’s participation in the ASEAN-India Summit and its interest in strengthening ties with India are part of a broader strategy to engage with key partners in the region.
India, under Modi’s leadership, has been actively promoting its “Act East” policy, which aims to strengthen relations with Southeast Asian countries and other key players in the Indo-Pacific.
Modi’s meeting with Luxon, along with his engagement with other leaders like Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, highlights India’s efforts to build a network of partnerships that can enhance regional cooperation and promote peace and stability.
The East Asia Summit, which Modi is set to address, provides another platform for India to engage with regional leaders and promote its vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
India’s emphasis on infrastructure development, connectivity, and cultural linkages in the region aligns with New Zealand’s goals of promoting economic growth and regional integration.
Christopher Luxon’s admiration for India and his commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between New Zealand and India mark an important moment in the history of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.
From trade and investment to defence and renewable energy, there are numerous areas where India and New Zealand can collaborate to achieve mutual benefits. The presence of a vibrant Indian diaspora in New Zealand further strengthens the bond between the two nations, serving as a bridge that connects them on multiple levels.
As India continues to rise as a global economic and strategic power, its partnerships with countries like New Zealand will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Asia-Pacific region.
The discussions between Modi and Luxon at the ASEAN-India Summit are just the beginning of what promises to be a deeper, broader, and stronger relationship between two nations committed to democracy, freedom, and shared prosperity.
New Zealand’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance and its interest in enhancing cooperation in sectors like trade, defence, and education highlight the potential for a partnership that can contribute to global efforts to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from climate change to regional security.
With a shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, India and New Zealand are poised to play a key role in promoting stability, peace, and development in the region.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏