Education, research are key aspects of India-New Zealand relationship: MEA
Auckland, July 11
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday acknowledged that education, research, science and technology, and innovation are key aspects of the bilateral relationship, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.
They encouraged government officials, institutions and industry to scope and build partnerships in agriculture, climate, digital transformation, science, innovation and new and emerging technologies.
The Prime Ministers recognised education as a central pillar of the relationship, underpinning people-to-people links, skills development, research collaboration and long-term economic partnership. They welcomed the growing connections between education institutions in both countries and agreed to strengthen cooperation in ways that support student mobility, institutional partnerships, innovation and mutual understanding. They reflected on progress in implementing the 2025 Education Cooperation Arrangement and acknowledged the engagements and new institutional partnerships developed since the signing.
The Prime Ministers recognised the shared challenges of climate change and the transition to low-emissions and climate-resilient economies. They agreed to deepen cooperation through the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi welcomed New Zealand joining the Global Biofuels Alliance, as per the statement.
The Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the National Disaster Management Authority of India and the National Emergency Management Agency of New Zealand. They reaffirmed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience building, with a view to enhancing the resilience of communities, infrastructure, and institutions in both countries.
The Prime Ministers looked forward to advancing research, innovation and practical solutions to support more sustainable, productive and climate-resilient agriculture and food systems.
Meanwhile, addressing a special media briefing on PM Modi's official visit to New Zealand, Secretary (East) in the MEA, Rudrendra Tandon, said that visa decisions were a sovereign question concerned with New Zealand.
"On visas, this is actually a question you need to address to the New Zealand side. That's a sovereign decision. In the sense that as long as our businesses can work, our students get to study, they get the exchanges as planned by the two sides are taking place. Visa decision and conferring visas is a sovereign decision that we can't really comment upon at this juncture," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally! Education cooperation is something that should have been strengthened long ago. New Zealand has excellent agricultural research and we can learn a lot from them. But the MEA must also ensure our students don't face visa hurdles like they do in some Western countries.
Great initiative! Climate change collaboration through International Solar Alliance and disaster management MoC shows India's leadership in these areas. Our expertise in affordable renewable energy can help Pacific nations too. The biofuel alliance joining is a smart move by NZ. 🚀
As someone living in NZ, I see huge potential here. Indian students here love the education system and many stay on for work. More institutional partnerships will boost both economies. But honestly, the visa processing needs to be faster - my Indian friends often wait months.
Education is indeed the bridge between nations. These partnerships will create more opportunities for Indian students to study abroad and for NZ to tap into our talent pool. The research collaboration in sustainable agriculture is especially relevant given both countries' farming backgrounds. Good diplomacy by PM Modi. 👏
Hopefully the NZ government will reciprocate actively - specifically on student visas and research funding. India has so much to offer in tech and innovation, and NZ has strengths in agriculture and disaster resilience. This could be a win-win if implemented properly.
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