Mon Mar 17 09:15:09 UTC 2025: ## India and New Zealand Strengthen Defence Ties, Address Anti-India Activities
**New Delhi, March 17, 2025** – India and New Zealand signed a significant agreement today to bolster their defence and security cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, held extensive talks focusing on strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors, including trade, defence, education, and agriculture.
During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi expressed concerns regarding unlawful anti-India activities by certain elements within New Zealand. He emphasized the two nations’ shared condemnation of terrorism, citing the Christchurch and Mumbai attacks as examples. Modi stated that India expects continued cooperation from New Zealand in addressing these activities.
The two leaders also announced the commencement of negotiations for a free trade agreement, aiming to boost mutual trade and investment, particularly in sectors like dairy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing a policy of development over expansionism. Mr. Luxon echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of addressing shared strategic concerns in the Indo-Pacific. The new defence pact is expected to include a roadmap for cooperation in the defence industry.
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