India, New Zealand set 2030 target to double bilateral trade to NZ$7 billion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday, with talks focused on trade and investment. The target to double their bilateral trade in goods and services. Ten agreements were among the eighteen tangible results of the meeting. A framework for improving Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation and a reciprocal logistics assistance agreement between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force.

Modi and Luxon discussed the Indo-Pacific and reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, and prosperous area, according to a joint statement. Additionally, they emphasized how crucial it is to protect territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the rules-based international order.

For boosting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the two sides also agreed to establish a maritime security dialogue to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and information exchange. Modi landed in Auckland last night, and the two countries mostly focus on the Indo-Pacific Region against the backdrop of China's increasing assertiveness in the region. The two prime ministers agreed to work towards doubling bilateral two-way trade in goods and services to 7 billion New Zealand dollars or approximately Rs 35,000 crore, by 2030.

''They called for full restoration of freedom of navigation and the global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, while opposing any constraints on shipping," it stated. In order to find a peaceful and long-lasting resolution to the issue, the two leaders emphasized the significance of communication, diplomacy, and adherence to international law.

Additionally, Modi and Luxon reaffirmed their support for Security Council expansion and advocated for "bold and effective" UN reform. On Ukraine, Modi and Luxon expressed concern over the ongoing war, which continues to cause immense human suffering and global consequences.

Both leaders condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the terror incident near Red Fort last year and stressed that those responsible for the attacks should be held accountable. They called for a "zero-tolerance" approach to terrorism, and underlined the need for disrupting terror financing networks and safe havens.