New Zealand and India Strengthen Partnership
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have announced a new Strategic Partnership between their countries. The agreement was made during Mr Modi’s visit to New Zealand, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years. The leaders said they want both countries to work more closely together.
A Roadmap to 2030 sets out plans for trade, technology, education, tourism, sport and agriculture. One major goal is to double the amount of trade between New Zealand and India by 2030. The countries also plan to introduce a Free Trade Agreement to make it easier for businesses to buy and sell goods and services.
Once the trade agreement is fully in place, tariffs will be reduced or removed from 95 per cent of New Zealand exports to India. From the first day, 57 per cent of exports will be tariff-free. New Zealand businesses could gain more opportunities in India, which has a population of about 1.4 billion people.
The partnership also includes plans for the New Zealand and Indian defence forces to cooperate at sea. New agreements will cover tourism, sport, dairying and farm animal breeding too. Mr Luxon said the partnership could create jobs, grow businesses and bring the two countries closer for many years.
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