India and New Zealand sign strategic partnership to boost trade ties

India and New Zealand have established a strategic partnership to deepen bilateral cooperation across trade, defense, and education following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The agreement was reached on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane, Laos, where both leaders reviewed the current state of diplomatic and economic relations. Focus on Trade and Aviation The two nations have agreed to prioritize economic sectors including agriculture, forestry, and renewable energy, specifically focusing on green hydrogen technology. According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders discussed ways to enhance air connectivity between the two countries. This follows the signing of a revised Air Services Agreement in 2023, which aims to facilitate more direct flights and improve logistics for the Indian diaspora, which currently numbers approximately 300,000 in New Zealand. India remains New Zealand’s 11th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $1.98 billion in 2023. New Zealand exports are currently led by logs and wood products, while India exports pharmaceuticals,…