India, New Zealand express concern over renewed escalation in Middle East
Auckland, July 11
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday expressed concern over renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East and called upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians.
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. They reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, and adherence to international law to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The leaders exchanged views on their respective approaches to the Indo Pacific and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected, and the rules-based international order is upheld, as per a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.
They reaffirmed freedom of navigation and overflight, and other lawful uses of the seas, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Both sides reaffirmed the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. They emphasised the importance of working together towards security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
The leaders noted the importance of cooperation in ASEAN-led and other regional fora, including the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus. They reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, the statement read.
The Prime Ministers emphasised the importance of an effective multilateral system centred on the United Nations. They stressed the need for bold and effective UN reform and affirmed their support for expansion of the Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. In this regard, New Zealand reaffirmed its support for India's permanent membership of a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council, as per the statement.
Both leaders welcomed the increasing momentum of high-level political engagement and agreed to hold regular reciprocal visits and meetings between the respective Prime Ministers and Ministers, including on the sidelines of regional and multilateral events, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.
To provide strategic guidance to the relationship and review progress under the Roadmap to 2030, the Prime Ministers agreed to establish a regular Foreign Ministers' Dialogue and consolidate the practice of annual senior officials' meetings between India's Ministry of External Affairs and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Prime Ministers acknowledged the important contribution of parliamentary exchanges to deepening mutual understanding and strengthening the democratic foundations of the India-New Zealand relationship. They encouraged regular engagement between the Parliaments of both countries, including through the recently constituted Parliamentary Friendship Group for New Zealand in the Indian Parliament, and visits by Members of Parliament.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nice diplomatic win for India - New Zealand supporting our permanent UN Security Council seat! About time the UN reflects 21st century realities. But let's be honest, these joint statements are easy; real action on the ground is harder. Hope Modi ji and Luxon follow up.
Every summit talks about 'freedom of navigation' and 'rules-based order' - but whose rules? The West's? India needs to be careful we're not just echoing Western talking points. Our own interest in the Middle East is about energy and our diaspora, not about taking sides. 🤔
Finally! Someone supporting India's claim for UNSC permanent membership. New Zealand has been a consistent friend. But I wish the joint statement had mentioned climate change - both India and NZ face Pacific impacts. Still, good start under the Roadmap 2030. 😊
Diplomacy is fine but our government should also focus on reducing oil dependency so Middle East tensions don't hurt us as much. Talk is cheap when petrol prices keep rising. Modi ji should also push for better treatment of Indian workers in Gulf countries.
As an Indian living abroad, I'm glad to see India and New Zealand aligning on global issues. The emphasis on ASEAN centrality is smart - India's 'Act East' policy needs more such partnerships. Hope this translates into better trade deals for our people. 🇮🇳🇳🇿
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.