India and NZ leaders vow firm stance against terror

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade, deepening defence cooperation, and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Addressing media after holding talks at New Delhi's Hyderabad House, the two leaders also took a firm stance against terrorism and agreed to enhance people-to-people ties.

Luxon, who arrived in Delhi on Sunday on his first official visit to India, is the first New Zealand Prime Minister to visit the country in nine years.

In his remarks, Modi acknowledged the New Zealand PM's longstanding association with India.

"We all saw the way he created a festive atmosphere by playing Holi in Auckland a few days ago. His affection for the Indian-origin community in New Zealand is evident from the large delegation accompanying him on this visit," Modi said.

Modi noted that their discussions covered a range of topics, including trade, security, and investment, leading to several key agreements.

The two leaders agreed to institutionalise defence and security cooperation, focusing on joint exercises, training programmes, and collaboration in the defence industry.

Modi also emphasised the growing maritime security cooperation, pointing that a New Zealand naval ship is making a port call in Mumbai.