ENA Global 2025-03-18 14:34:21 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Mar 18 (KNN)</strong> India and New Zealand on Monday signed a significant agreement to institutionalise their defence and security partnership.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The pact was announced following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, education, and agriculture.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of strengthening security ties and outlined plans for future collaboration in the defence industry.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"> We both are unanimous against terrorism. Whether it is the Christchurch terrorist attack of March 15, 2019, or the Mumbai attack of November 26, 2008, terrorism in any form is unacceptable, he stated. Modi also stressed the need for strict action against individuals involved in terrorist activities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Addressing concerns over anti-India activities by unlawful elements in New Zealand, Modi expressed confidence that the New Zealand government would continue to support India in tackling these issues.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"> We will continue to cooperate together against terrorist, separatist, and radical elements, he added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The leaders also announced the initiation of negotiations for a free trade agreement to enhance economic cooperation. Modi highlighted the potential for increased trade and investment in key sectors such as dairy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. This will boost the potential of mutual trade and investment, he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">On regional security, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism, Modi asserted.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Prime Minister Luxon echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the shared strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific and reaffirming New Zealands commitment to fostering regional prosperity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The meeting marks a new chapter in India-New Zealand relations, fostering stronger economic and security cooperation between the two nations.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 41425 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/global/india-and-new-zealand-strengthen-defence-and-trade-ties 2025-03-18 14:34:21 knnindia.co.in