New Delhi:
India and New Zealand on Monday signed an ambitious agreement to institutionalize defense relations and pledged to increase cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed about the concern of some pro -Khalistan elements in his country during his meeting with his counterpart Christopher Luxon in New Zealand.
After the talks between Modi and Luxon, the two sides signed six agreements to increase cooperation in many areas including education, sports, agriculture and climate change and decided to prepare a blueprint for cooperation in the defense industry sector.
Modi and Luxon welcomed the two countries to start talks for “balanced, ambitious, comprehensive and mutually beneficial” free trade agreement (FTA). Secretary (East) Jaideep Majumdar in the Ministry of External Affairs indicated that the two countries will try to sign the FTA by the end of this year.
Modi said in his media statement that India and New Zealand support an independent, open, safe and prosperous Indian region. He said, “We believe in the policy of development, not of expansionism.” This comment has come amidst global concerns on China’s expansionist attitude in the region.
According to a joint statement, the two leaders re-confirmed their commitment to support an Indo-Pacific region where sovereignty and regional integrity would be respected.
Luxon reached the national capital on a five -day visit on Sunday, the main objective of which is to promote intensive economic participation between the two sides. In the context of FTA talks, Modi and Luxon agreed to discuss the discussion between the concerned officials of both sides to explore the possibility of early implementation of cooperation in the digital payment sector.
According to the joint statement, in terms of dialogue for the trade agreement, both sides agreed to start a discussion on the system that facilitate the movement of professionals and skilled workers, with the main objective of dealing with the challenge of irregular migration.
In the conversation, Modi, while referring to the terrorist attack in Christchurch in 2019 and 26/11 Mumbai attack, said that terrorism is “unacceptable” in any form. He said, “Strict action is necessary against the culprits of terrorist attacks. We will continue to cooperate together against terrorist, separatist and radical elements.
Modi said, “In this context, we shared our concern about anti -India activities by some illegal elements in New Zealand. We are confident that we will continue to get support from the Government of New Zealand against all these illegal elements.
In the press conference, Majumdar said that the issue of some pro-Khalistan elements activities in New Zealand raised the issue in New Zealand. He said, “We warn our friends about the freedom of expression and abuse of other democratic freedom to promote activities of anti -India elements in their countries and to threaten to attack our diplomats and to threaten to attack our diplomats.”
Mazumdar said, “The New Zealand government has taken into account our concerns earlier and has considered it.” He said, “We have got the same answer even today.”
Modi said that both sides have decided to make defense and security partnership strong and institutional and a blueprint will be prepared for cooperation in the defense industry sector. The Prime Minister of New Zealand said that he and Modi discussed the challenging strategic view in the Indo-Pacific region.
Luxon said, “I reiterated our strong commitment to address shared concerns over their interests to contribute to the rich Hind-Pacific.”
On the proposed FTA, Modi said that mutual cooperation and investment will be promoted in areas like dairy, food processing and pharma. Prime Minister Modi also discussed in detail the India-New Zealand defense relations. He said, “We have decided to make our defense and security partnership strong and institutional. Joint exercises, training, port visits as well as a blueprint will be made for mutual cooperation in the defense industry. ”
Agreements signed between the two sides include India’s Central Indirect Taxes and Customs Board (CBIC) and New Zealand’s Customs Service. The joint statement stated that the defense agreement will further strengthen the overall defense relations.
In terms of maritime security, New Zealand welcomed India’s joining with joint maritime forces. Both Modi and Luxon welcomed the progress in defense relations during Task Force 150, Command of New Zealand.
The two leaders also talked about global challenges. On the situation in West Asia, Modi and Luxon confirmed their strong support for peace and stability in the region. A joint statement stated that he reiterated his call to continue dialogue to ensure permanent peace, including the release of all hostages and fast, safe and uninterrupted human access to Gaza.
Modi and Luxon also exchanged ideas on war in Ukraine and expressed support for justy and permanent peace on the basis of international law, the principles of the United Nations Charter and the respect of regional integrity and sovereignty.
A joint statement said that the two leaders condemned all types of terrorism including terrorism across the border. It said that Modi and Luxon stressed the immediate need to take immediate, continuous and concrete action against the United Nations on behalf of all countries.
He called for destroying terrorism funding networks and safe bases, destroying terrorist infrastructure including online and bringing criminals of terrorism under the purview of quick justice.
(Tagstotranslate) India (T) New Zealand (T) Christopher Luxon (T) Pro-Khalistan (T) India (T) India (T) & Nbsp; New Zealand (T) & Nbsp; Christopher Luxon (T) & Nbsp; pro -Khalistan
