New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke about expanding economic, defence and people-to-people ties with India ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Auckland on July 10-11.
Luxon said the two countries share similar views and values. He noted that the free trade agreement concluded in April this year after negotiations began during his March visit to India last year.
The agreement covers areas such as technology, agriculture and services. Luxon highlighted opportunities in dairy proteins, apples and lamb, along with growth in investment both ways.
On geopolitics, Luxon described an inflection point in global affairs. He called for working with India and like-minded partners to support a reformed rules-based system.
Luxon also addressed immigration. He said New Zealand’s policies remain open to skilled Indians and noted the Indian diaspora makes up almost 7 percent of the population.
