PM Modi, Chris Hipkins Hold Talks On India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership
PM Modi and Hipkins discuss India-New Zealand strategic relations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met New Zealand’s Leader of the Opposition, Chris Hipkins, during his official visit to the country, with discussions focusing on strengthening the strategic partnership between India and New Zealand. The meeting underscored the broad political consensus in New Zealand on expanding bilateral ties across key sectors.
In a post on X following the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said the discussions covered trade, technology and people-to-people relations. He noted that strong bipartisan support has remained one of the defining strengths of the India-New Zealand relationship, helping sustain cooperation irrespective of political changes.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the meeting reflected New Zealand’s broad-based political commitment to deepening engagement with India. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including trade and people-to-people exchanges, while reaffirming their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations.
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The interaction took place during Prime Minister Modi’s two-day official visit to New Zealand, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades. During the visit, India and New Zealand elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking a significant step in expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Both countries also adopted a Roadmap to 2030 aimed at strengthening collaboration in trade, defence, technology, education, security and cultural exchanges. The roadmap outlines a long-term framework for enhancing economic engagement, innovation partnerships and closer coordination on regional and global issues.
The meeting with Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins complemented Prime Minister Modi’s engagements with the New Zealand government and reflected bipartisan support for stronger India-New Zealand relations. Officials from both countries described the visit as an important milestone in advancing a comprehensive and forward-looking partnership built on shared democratic values and expanding economic and strategic cooperation.
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