New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon embarked on his first official visit to India from March 16 to 21, 2025, accompanied by a significant delegation that included ministers, senior business leaders, prominent members of the Kiwi Indian community, and parliamentarians. This six-day visit marks a critical step in advancing bilateral relations, particularly in maritime security and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
New Era in India-New Zealand Relations
Luxon inaugurated the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s leading geopolitical and geoeconomic forum, delivering a compelling speech advocating for a secure, stable, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. He underscored New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order and emphasized the importance of collaboration with India in trade, climate action, and maritime security. The dialogue provided a vital platform for both nations to reaffirm their shared priorities in regional governance and security cooperation.
Progress on the Long-Pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
One of the most significant takeaways from Luxon’s visit was the renewed discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand. Originally proposed in 2009, negotiations had faced multiple delays due to concerns over economic dependencies and geopolitical considerations. However, Luxon’s engagement with Indian leaders demonstrated a renewed willingness to overcome these challenges and forge a mutually beneficial trade pact.
The FTA is expected to facilitate greater market access for key sectors such as agriculture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and tourism, potentially increasing trade tenfold over the next decade. For India, such an agreement aligns with its strategy to integrate into global supply chains and bolster its Indo-Pacific trade presence, while for New Zealand, it offers a diversified economic partnership beyond its heavy reliance on China.
Maritime Security and Indo-Pacific Cooperation
As regional security dynamics evolve, India and New Zealand have strengthened their maritime security cooperation. Both nations recognize the necessity of a free, open, and rules-based maritime order, crucial for regional stability. New Zealand’s increasing participation in Indo-Pacific security frameworks signifies its commitment to balancing economic interests while supporting a robust regional security architecture.
Discussions during the visit focused on increasing naval interactions and defense partnerships, with New Zealand potentially participating in India’s Milan naval exercises—an initiative that fosters interoperability among regional navies. The two nations also explored opportunities for collaboration in ship maintenance and maritime technology.
New Zealand’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific extends beyond security. Recognizing the interconnectedness of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Wellington has shown increased commitment to regional maritime cooperation. For India, whose Indo-Pacific vision spans from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific, New Zealand emerges as a valuable partner in reinforcing regional security frameworks beyond US-China dynamics.
Pacific Reset Policy and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
New Zealand’s Pacific Reset policy aligns closely with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and its efforts to enhance security and economic stability in the region. By joining IPOI and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), New Zealand has signaled its readiness to work alongside India on multiple fronts, including Climate adaptation strategies for Pacific Island nations facing rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Maritime disaster response coordination, focusing on rapid relief and rebuilding efforts. Sustainable fisheries management, tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The Indo-Pacific faces growing concerns over IUU fishing, particularly from foreign fleets operating in contested waters. New Zealand, with its strong expertise in sustainable fisheries management, could play a crucial role in working alongside India to develop effective patrol coordination and capacity-building initiatives.
Strengthening Regional Security Partnerships
While New Zealand is not a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), its growing security collaboration with India allows for greater alignment with Quad-led initiatives. These include Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) initiatives, particularly in climate-vulnerable island nations. Cybersecurity cooperation to mitigate risks posed by cyber threats in the Indo-Pacific. Maritime infrastructure projects, ensuring secure and resilient trade routes.
Both India and New Zealand actively engage with ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), playing proactive roles in regional security governance. By enhancing cooperation with these platforms, the two nations contribute to a more stable Indo-Pacific landscape amid increasing major power competition.
Luxon’s visit has injected fresh momentum into India-New Zealand ties, paving the way for enhanced collaboration in trade, security, and regional stability. With shared interests in strengthening maritime security, economic resilience, and climate action, their evolving partnership is poised to shape a more resilient and inclusive Indo-Pacific. As both nations navigate shifting geopolitical realities, this strengthened alliance could serve as a cornerstone for regional cooperation in the years to come.
