India, NZ ink defence pact to mute rising Indo-Pacific threat

SIGNALLING DEEPER STRATEGIC convergence in the face of an assertive China in the Indo-Pacific region, India and New Zealand signed a defence cooperation pact on Monday and agreed to step up dialogue to enhance maritime safety.

- SHUBHAJIT ROY

The agreement was inked after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon who is in India on a five-day visit.

The two leaders also discussed the issue of Khalistan separatist activities in New Zealand and India flagged its concern about "anti-India activities by some illegal elements".

After the bilateral talks, Modi said both sides decided to strengthen and institutionalise defence and security partnership and a road map will be prepared for cooperation in the defence industry sector.