 "FTA talks, mobility of skilled workers among top outcomes of Modi-Luxon talks: MEA")
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon held high-level talks on Monday (March 17), during the latter’s ongoing five-day official visit to India.
The meeting resulted in several key announcements aimed at deepening bilateral ties, according to India’s Minister of External Affairs.
Here’s a look at the key announcements and bilateral agreements inked.
Launch of negotiations on FTA
The meeting saw the revival of negotiations on a long-stalled free trade agreement (FTA), discussions on skilled worker mobility, and the signing of multiple bilateral agreements across diverse sectors.
The two nations confirmed the resumption of talks on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), which had been on hold since 2015.
Originally initiated in 2010, the negotiations were intended to enhance trade in goods, services, and investments. The renewed push reflects a commitment to strengthening economic ties between India and New Zealand.
Negotiations for facilitating mobility of skilled workers
Another major outcome of the meeting was the initiation of negotiations on a framework to facilitate the mobility of professionals and skilled workers.
Luxon acknowledged the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora, noting that India is New Zealand’s largest source of skilled migrants and the second-largest provider of international students.
New Zealand joins IPOI and CDRI
The two nations also announced New Zealand’s formal entry into the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), an initiative launched by Modi in 2019 at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok to promote maritime safety, security, and stability.
New Zealand also became a member of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), a global partnership aimed at strengthening infrastructure resilience against climate and disaster risks. Modi had initially introduced the CDRI at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in 2019.
Bilateral documents inked
Beyond these key announcements, both countries signed several bilateral documents, further solidifying cooperation in multiple sectors:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation between the Indian Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Ministry of Defence.
An Authorised Economic Operator - Mutual Recognition Agreement (AEO-MRA) between India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the New Zealand Customs Service.
A Memorandum of Cooperation on horticulture between India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries.
A Letter of Intent on forestry between India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries.
An Education Cooperation Agreement between the two countries’ education ministries.
A Memorandum of Cooperation in sports between India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Sport New Zealand.
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