India and New Zealand Announce Strategic Partnership

New Delhi. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to New Zealand, both countries announced a 'Strategic Partnership' on Saturday with the aim of expanding cooperation in various fields including defense and security.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi according to New Zealand's indigenous Maori tradition and presented him with a Guard of Honour. Luxon presented the agreement as an important opportunity for economic benefit, as relations between the two countries have been expanding since the signing of a free trade agreement in April.

Modi's visit from July 6 to July 11 is the final leg of a program that includes trips to Indonesia and Australia. Modi's visit to New Zealand comes amid growing concerns about China's increasing military activities in the Pacific region.

This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in forty years. It also signals India's diplomatic activism amidst China's growing influence in the Pacific region.

Welcoming Modi at the Government House in Auckland, Prime Minister Luxon said that the India-New Zealand partnership would give new direction and breadth to the relationship. Modi described the relationship between the two countries as a 'significant milestone that will provide more energy and confidence'. He said, "Our shared commitment to democratic values makes us natural partners."

A joint statement issued by both countries mentioned expanding cooperation in the fields of defense cooperation, naval exercises, trade, diplomacy, culture, sports, and science and technology. Both leaders stated their shared interest in building a "free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region."

Debate on Trade Agreement

During Modi's visit, a program is scheduled to address the Indian community at Spark Arena in Auckland. Thousands are expected to participate among the approximately 300,000 Indian community members living in New Zealand.

Previously, about 30,000 people from the Indian community participated in an event in Melbourne, Australia. Prime Minister Luxon has been stating that the free trade agreement with India will bring employment and economic benefits, targeting the general election in November. However, some provisions of the agreement, especially regarding easing immigration and visas for Indian students and workers, are facing criticism within New Zealand.

Some MPs from the 'New Zealand First' party, part of the coalition led by Luxon, have expressed dissatisfaction with the provisions of the agreement. Government minister Shane Jones had expressed his objection to the agreement in talks with local media. Taking his statement as a basis, some leaders of the Indian community have accused it of being a racially discriminatory remark.

Meanwhile, controversial New Zealand religious leader Brian Tamaki has opposed Modi's visit and made objectionable remarks on social media. His comments were strongly criticized by New Zealand's race relations commissioner as 'extremely objectionable'.

Prime Minister Luxon, however, has presented Modi's visit as an opportunity to strengthen relations between the two countries. "This visit is a celebration of a successful partnership between New Zealand and India, which will contribute to prosperity and security for the citizens of both countries," he said.