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Navigating differences: On India-New Zealand ties
India and New Zealand have the potential to enhance their partnership through strategic cooperation in trade, defence, and regional stability. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, during the 10th Raisina Dialogue, highlighted key geopolitical shifts and emphasized the importance of closer ties between the two democracies.
Key Areas of Collaboration
(i) Defence & Security: A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to improve military cooperation, staff college exchanges, and naval port calls.
(ii) Trade Expansion: Talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have resumed to boost bilateral trade, currently below $2 billion, though challenges remain regarding dairy and agricultural market access.
(iii) Connectivity Boost: A codeshare agreement between Air India and Air New Zealand could lead to direct flights by 2028, strengthening people-to-people ties.
(iv) Regional Cooperation: While not a Quad member, New Zealand is engaging in regional discussions with Australia, Japan, and South Korea on Indo-Pacific security.
Challenges & Diplomatic Sensitivities
(i) Khalistan Concerns: India raised concerns over anti-India activities, including a Khalistan referendum in Auckland. New Zealand maintains a stance on free expression but acknowledges the need to manage such tensions diplomatically.
(ii) Trade Barriers: India’s concerns over market access for agricultural products remain an obstacle in economic negotiations.
Conclusion
Despite differences, India and New Zealand have strong incentives to deepen cooperation, particularly in trade and security. Managing diplomatic sensitivities through private engagement while advancing strategic and economic partnerships will be key to fostering long-term collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in The Hindu and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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