India, New Zealand sign agreements on Defence, Education, horticulture and sports
New Delhi, March 17
India and Nee Zealand today exchanged five agreements in the fields of Defence, Education, Sports, Horticulture, Forestry. Both sides also exchanged authorised economic mutual recognition agreement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held talks with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in New Delhi. The discussions covered various aspects of India-New Zealand relations. Mr Modi will also host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary.
In his press statement, Mr 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. Mr 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. Mr 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.
In his statement, Mr Luxon said, both sides looking forward to achieve mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement. He said, New Zealand will increase its diplomatic presense in India.
Mr Luxon will call on President Droupadi Murmu today evening at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Earlier today, the Prime Minister of New Zealand paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his samadhi in Rajghat.
Mr Luxon’s visit aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship between both the countries, reaffirming their commitment to deepen ties across all sectors and foster people-to-people connections. New Zealand Prime Minister arrived in New Delhi yesterday on a five day visit to India.
He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials, businesses, media and members of the Indian diaspora community.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand will visit Mumbai on Wednesday