India and New Zealand Sign 18 Pacts, Set Strategic Roadmap to 2030
India and New Zealand have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, formalising a comprehensive framework for cooperation across defence, trade, security, and culture. During the visit, the two countries signed 18 agreements and adopted a 'Roadmap to 2030' that outlines specific goals, including doubling bilateral trade to NZ$7 billion (approximately Rs35,000 crore) by the end of the decade.
Among the key defence pacts, a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Defence of India and the New Zealand Defence Force. This agreement aims to enhance maritime security cooperation and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on maritime domain awareness, joint exercises, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and capacity building.
An implementation arrangement on hydrography and nautical cartography was also concluded, enabling joint production of navigational charts and data sharing. Additionally, a Mutual Logistics Support arrangement between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force will facilitate reciprocal logistics support, improving operational reach and defence cooperation in the region.
On counter-terrorism, the two nations established a Joint Working Group to institutionalise dialogue and intelligence exchange, strengthening cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational threats. A Memorandum of Cooperation between India's National Disaster Management Authority and New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency will advance disaster preparedness, response, and resilience.
Economic and sectoral agreements include cooperation in animal husbandry and dairying, tourism, sports, and culture. The India-New Zealand Joint Action Plan on Sport will promote exchanges in high-performance sport, sports science, and medicine, with a focus on rugby, rowing, athletics, golf, and bowls. A Memorandum of Arrangement for the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat, with the New Zealand Maritime Museum will enhance museum collaboration and promote maritime heritage tourism.
To boost trade, the two sides agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade by 2030, creating new opportunities for businesses and jobs, particularly for youth. A Maritime Security Dialogue will be established to strengthen cooperation and information exchange. New Zealand also nominated maritime security as a priority pillar under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), focusing on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The comprehensive agreements reflect a deepening partnership between India and New Zealand, with a clear roadmap for collaboration in the coming years across strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties.
