New Zealand and India announced a strategic partnership on Saturday, encompassing defense and security cooperation, during a landmark visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement, described by Modi as a "milestone," aims to bolster ties between the two democracies.
Historic Visit and Welcome
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed Modi with an indigenous Maori ceremony and a guard of honor, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in 40 years. The visit occurred at the end of Modi's July 6-11 tour, which also included stops in Indonesia and Australia, and came shortly after China test-fired a ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on Monday, stirring regional unease.
Strategic Partnership Details
In a joint statement, the two countries said the partnership covers tighter defense cooperation, including naval exercises, as well as stronger ties in trade, diplomacy, culture, sport, and science. They affirmed a shared interest in a "free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific." Modi stated, "Our firm belief in democratic values makes us natural partners."
Discussions on China's Missile Test
Luxon told reporters that the two leaders "quickly canvassed" the Chinese missile test during their talks. When asked whether closer New Zealand-India relations would curb Beijing's ambitions, Luxon said, "We are a small trading nation. We are a maritime nation. We need to have as many relationships as we possibly can with partners around the world that are like-minded, and some of those are around defense, and some around trade, some around both."
Diaspora Enthusiasm and Protests
In the evening, the two leaders addressed an estimated 10,000 cheering fans from New Zealand's 300,000-strong Indian diaspora at Auckland's Spark Arena. Modi told supporters, "Before me I see a wonderful audience in which there is the light of a developed India and the prosperity of New Zealand." Luxon praised the diaspora, saying, "Without you we simply would not be the New Zealand we are today." Outside the stadium, about 20 Sikh protesters demonstrated with a mannequin of Modi in prison clothes, describing him as the face of "Hindu terror." This sparked counter-chants of "Modi, Modi" from over 100 supporters, requiring police intervention.
Trade Deal Controversy
Luxon, who faces general elections in November, has promoted the jobs and economic benefits of the free trade deal with India, which is awaiting parliamentary approval. However, the agreement has faced pushback, particularly over easier immigration and visa access for Indian students and workers. New Zealand First party lawmaker Shane Jones, part of the governing coalition, said, "I don’t care how much criticism we get, I am just never going to agree with a butter chicken tsunami coming to New Zealand." An Indian community leader accused Jones of "outright racism."
