India, New Zealand Hold Talks on Defence, Agri, Business Ties

India and New Zealand on Monday inked a pact to institutionalise their defence ties and vowed to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged concerns to his Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon over certain unlawful elements indulging in anti-India activities in the island nation.

- Press Trust of India

NEW DELHI:

Following talks between Modi and Luxon, the two sides signed six agreements to ramp up cooperation in several areas including education, sports, agriculture and climate change, and decided to prepare a road-map for cooperation in the defence industry sector.

In his media statement, Modi said India and New Zealand support a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, adding "We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism", remarks that came amid growing global concerns over China's expansionist behaviour in the region.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting an Indo-Pacific where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected, according to a joint statement.

Luxon arrived in the national capital on Sunday on a five-day visit primarily to push for deeper economic engagement between the two sides.