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Key Points

India and New Zealand held comprehensive Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi focusing on multiple aspects of their relationship. The talks covered defence cooperation, trade enhancement, education partnerships, and people-to-people ties. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the bilateral partnership following recent high-level exchanges. The discussions come amid growing trade relations and ongoing FTA negotiations between the two countries.

Key Points: India New Zealand Hold Defence Trade Talks in Delhi Consultations

  • Bilateral trade reached $1.3 billion with 48.6% growth in FY 2024-25
  • Second round of FTA negotiations concluded successfully in July
  • Discussions covered defence cooperation and strategic domains
  • Both countries committed to maintaining high-level exchange momentum
3 min read

India-New Zealand hold wide-ranging discussions on defence, trade during Foreign Office Consultations

India and New Zealand held Foreign Office Consultations in Delhi, discussing defence, trade, education and FTA progress to deepen bilateral partnership.

"The consultations reaffirmed commitment to deepen the partnership and continue the momentum of recent high-level exchanges - MEA India"

New Delhi, September 9

India and New Zealand held the Foreign Office Consultations here in the national capital on Monday, focused on several aspects of the bilateral relationship such as defence, trade and education, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.

Sharing the details in a post on X, the MEA said that the Foreign Office Consultations were led by Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra and Deputy Secretary (Asia Group & Americas) Grahame Morton.

MEA underscored that the consultations reaffirmed the commitment to deepen ties and continue with the momentum of high-level exchanges.

"India-New Zealand Foreign Office Consultations led by Secretary (South) Dr. Neena Malhotra and Deputy Secretary (Asia Group & Americas) Mr. Grahame Morton, were held today in New Delhi. Discussions covered the entire gamut of - bilateral relations, including defence, trade, education, sports, mobility, customs and people-to-people ties. The consultations reaffirmed commitment to deepen the - partnership and continue the momentum of recent high-level exchanges", MEA said on X.

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1965080866297717079

The visit comes after, in August this year, Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, met New Zealand Defence Ministry's Head of International Branch, Kathleen Pearce, in New Delhi, reaffirming commitment to deepen cooperation across key strategic domains.

The Second Round of negotiations for the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded successfully on July 25 in New Delhi, further advancing the shared objective of strengthening bilateral trade and economic partnerships.

According to a previous statement by the Ministry of Commerce, the Third Round of negotiations is scheduled to be held in New Zealand in September 2025. The intersessional virtual meetings will maintain the forward trajectory set in the second round.

India's bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand reached USD 1.3 billion in FY 2024-25, recording a growth of 48.6 per cent over the previous financial year, signalling the growing potential of the economic partnership, the statement by the Ministry of Commerce highlighted. It further noted that the FTA is expected to enhance trade flows, support investment linkages, promote supply chain resilience, and establish a predictable and enabling environment for businesses in both countries.

India and New Zealand have historically shared close and cordial ties. Similarities such as membership of the Commonwealth, common law practices and pursuing shared aspirations of achieving economic development and prosperity through democratic governance systems for diverse communities in both countries provide an excellent backdrop for deepening the friendly ties, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who studied in New Zealand, I'm happy to see education being discussed. More student exchange programs would benefit both countries. The cultural similarities make it a great partnership!
A
Ashwin V
Defence cooperation with New Zealand is a smart move. Both democratic nations with similar values - this partnership can bring stability to the Indo-Pacific region. Good strategic thinking!
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Sarah B
While the trade numbers look good, I hope the FTA negotiations ensure fair terms for Indian farmers and small businesses. Sometimes these agreements favor larger economies disproportionately.
K
Karthik V
People-to-people ties are crucial! Many Indians have settled in New Zealand and vice versa. This foundation makes the relationship natural and sustainable. More cultural exchanges please!
M
Michael C
The Commonwealth connection is an underrated advantage. Shared legal systems and governance values make cooperation much smoother. Hope to see more joint initiatives in technology and innovation sectors.

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