Trade, Indo-Pacific ties to take center stage during New Zealand PM’s India visit

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will be on an official visit to India from 16 to 20 March—his first to the country since assuming office in 2023.

During the visit, both countries will focus on advancing economic co-operation and explore opportunities to bolster security ties.

Luxon will be accompanied by a delegation comprising trade minister Todd McClay, tourism minister Louise Upston and ethnic communities minister Mark Mitchell, along with a delegation of business leaders and prominent members of the Kiwi-Indian community.

Speaking to New Zealand media ahead of his visit, Luxon said the primary focus of the visit would be to improve trade ties with India.

“We’re going to do everything we can to push trade really, really hard,” Luxon said, adding, “What I’m looking for is just a much more comprehensive economic partnership and how we’d move that forward. I am determined that we are going to change the trading relationships with India big time.”

During the visit, Luxon will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several issues, including political and security co-operation.

“India is an important power in the Indo-Pacific, and I will discuss with Prime Minister Modi what more we can do together to maintain peace and prosperity in our region,” he said.

The New Zealand premier will deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on 17 March. Luxon will also travel to Mumbai on 19-20 March.

In a statement on Monday, the ministry of external affairs said Modi will host Luxon for lunch before the latter meets President Droupadi Murmu.

Talking about the significance of India-New Zealand relations in the current geopolitical landscape, Luxon said, “New Zealand’s relationship with India is more important than ever at this time of geopolitical uncertainty. I am confident my visit will achieve a step change in our engagement, as we continue to strengthen our mutual security and prosperity.”

Luxon also underscored the contributions of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.

“The large and growing Indian diaspora make significant contributions to New Zealand. I am pleased to be travelling with a first-of-its-kind community delegation to highlight the importance of the people-to-people links we share and to profile the best and brightest among Kiwi-Indians,” he said.

The New Zealand premier said that strengthening ties with India is a priority for his government.

“Since coming into office, I have signaled that strengthening our relationship with India is a key priority for my government. We’ve already made incredible progress over the last year as we invest in building a broad-based, sustainable relationship with India, the world’s fastest-growing major economy, and the place from which six per cent of New Zealand’s population claim their heritage,” Luxon said.