'Historic milestone': PM Modi hails India-New Zealand ties, pushes for strengthening strategic partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India and New Zealand are entering a "new era" of bilateral ties as he referred to the two nations as "natural partners". The remarks from the Indian prime minister came while he was holding delegation-level talks with his Kiwi counterpart, Christopher Luxon, during his two-day visit to the country.

New Zealand was the final leg of PM Modi's three-nation tour, as he arrived following his trip to Australia and Indonesia. What made the visit significant was the fact that this was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.

While speaking in front of the media during the talks, PM Modi thanked Luxon and the people of New Zealand for their constant support in bolstering bilateral ties between the two nations. “Today, we are binding our relationship together through a Strategic Partnership. This milestone will inspire us to move forward with greater energy and confidence," the prime minister averred.

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'Historic milestone'

While speaking to Luxon, PM Modi emphasised that his visit to the country marked a “historic milestone" that would give fresh strength to their bilateral ties. He went on to laud the progress on the India-New Zealand free trade agreement, saying the way both sides worked together to complete the process in a short time was a significant achievement.

“When you visited India, the FTA process began; the way all of New Zealand united to bring the FTA to fruition in such a short time, perhaps a global first for such a swift success, is remarkable," the prime minister said. He went on to emphasise that democratic values of both nations make them close partners. "It is a match made for each other," he exclaimed.

The prime minister highlighted the cooperation between India and New Zealand as maritime nations, insisting that it can strengthen efforts for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

“I am confident that this visit will further strengthen our bilateral ties and enhance our joint contribution to global peace, stability, and security; we can act as a catalyst for peace, advocating for peace and working towards global well-being through peace," he said.

On Friday, the Indian premier arrived in New Zealand and was welcomed by NZ PM Luxon at the airport. The two world leaders shared a warm hug before beginning talks. During his visit, PM Modi and Luxon are expected to discuss ways to expand economic, trade and commercial cooperation between the two countries.