High Commission of India
Wellington
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INDIA – NEW ZEALAND BILATERAL BRIEF

1. India and New Zealand (NZ) have historically shared close and cordial ties. Similarities such as membership of the Commonwealth, common law practices and pursuing shared aspirations of achieving economic development and prosperity through democratic governance systems for diverse communities in both countries provide an excellent backdrop for deepening the friendly ties. Tourism and sporting links, particularly in cricket, hockey and mountaineering, have also played a significant role in fostering goodwill between the two countries. Both countries are fellow travellers in their commitment to disarmament, global peace, North-South Dialogue, human rights, ecological preservation and combating international terrorism. People-to-people contacts have flourished since migration from India began around 1860s. NZ has approximately 3,00,000 persons of Indian origin & NRIs, a vast majority of which has made NZ their permanent home. Currently, there are approximately 8,000 Indian students in NZ, pursuing higher education in various disciplines such as information technology, hospitality, science, engineering, and architecture.
   
   
2. Both countries share a long-standing connection, both gaining independence in the same year. Despite geographical distances, there's a strong bond through a large Indian diaspora. Diplomatic relations began in 1950 with a Trade Commission, later upgraded to a High Commission in 1952. Today, both countries enjoy growing ties driven by shared strategic interests and economic mutual benefits. They collaborate in trade, education, and culture, overcoming geographic barriers to build a prosperous partnership. Their relationship has evolved positively from friendly beginnings to a robust alliance based on mutual respect and shared goals.
   
   
3. HoS/HoG Past Visits: India and New Zealand have shared significant high-level visits over the years, which have strengthened the bilateral relations. In 1968, Prime Minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi, visited New Zealand. In 1986, Prime Minister of India, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, visited New Zealand, further advancing the dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. In 2016, President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, conducted a state visit to New Zealand from 30 April to 2 May. On the other hand, New Zealand has also seen several high-level visits to India, including Prime Minister John Key's visit in June 2011, and from 25 to 27 October 2016,  PM Helen Clark's visit in October 2004; and most recently PM Luxon’s visit to India from March 16-20, 2025. Other notable visit include  Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand's visits in January 2011, October 2010, and September 2008.
   
   
4. NZ identified India as a priority country in its “Opening Doors to India” policy notified in October 2011, which was reiterated in 2015. In 2011, NZ launched the NZ Inc. India Strategy, aiming to make India a core trade, economic and political partner for NZ. On the eve of the visit of DPM / Foreign Minister of NZ to India from 25 - 28 February 2020, NZ released the Strategy Paper “India-NZ 2025 – Investing in the Relationship”, which builds on earlier policy papers and envisions a more “enduring strategic relationship” with India over the next five years. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters, during his visit to India in March 2024, emphasised the importance of strengthening New Zealand's ties with India. He highlighted India's growing significance to New Zealand, noting large Indian diaspora, educational connections, and economic partnerships. 

HOS/HOG VISITS / MEETINGS:

5. Visit of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India from 16-20 March 2025. 

16 March 2025

On 16 March 2025 Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced that New Zealand and India have formally launched negotiations on a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.

17 March 2025

On 17 March 2025, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held productive talks in New Delhi. The two Prime Ministers released a joint statement detailing plans for further cooperation between the two countries across a range of areas. 

MoUs / Agreements signed during the visit are as follows:

• MoU on Defence Cooperation between the Ministry of Defence of India and the New Zealand Ministry of Defence.
• Authorized Economic Operator - Mutual Recognition Agreement (AEO-MRA) between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs of India (CBIC) and the New Zealand Customs Service.
• Memorandum of Cooperation on Horticulture between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare of India and the Ministry for Primary Industries of New Zealand.
• Letter of Intent on Forestry between the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change of India and the Ministry for Primary Industries of New Zealand.
• Education Cooperation Agreement between the Ministry of Education of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Education of New Zealand.
• Memorandum of Cooperation in Sports between the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports of the Government of India and the Sport New Zealand of the Government of New Zealand

18 March 2025

PM Luxon visited Swaminarayan Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple in India. Later in the day, PM Luxon participated in the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Partnership NZ-India Business and Economic Forum. He also played street cricket with children in Delhi. 

19 March 2025

On 19 March 2025, PM Luxon visited Tata Group, India's largest private conglomerate and met TCS Chairman. He was given a guided tour of Tata Consultancy Services campus. PM Luxon met Maharashtra CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and the Governor Shri C P Radhakrishan. He also visited the Bombay Stock Exchange and hit the gong marking the end of the trading day. He also attended a tourism function in which top airline companies were invited and announced the start of direct flight between Delhi and Auckland by the end of 2028 

20 March 2025

On 20 March 2025, PM Luxon visited Mumbai's Wankhede stadium and played cricket with IndianKiwi cricketer Ajaz Patel. He also met India's Rear Admiral and visited the latest indigenously built destroyer of the Indian Navy INS Surat. As part of the ship visit, RNZ Navy Chief Garin Golding called on Vice Admiral Singh and discussed strategic naval engagements, which was followed by a briefing on the command's role. PM Luxon visited HMNZS 'Te Kaha' which was in Mumbai on a port call.

6. Meeting of PM Modi with PM Luxon: On 11 October 2024, PM Narendra Modi met NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Laos at East Asia Summit.  PM Modi in his X wrote - We value our friendship with New Zealand, bound together by a commitment to democracy, freedom and rule of law. Their talks covered sectors such as economic cooperation, tourism, education and innovation.

7. Visit of President of India to NZ: President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu visited on a state visit to New Zealand from 07-09 August 2024. The Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Cindy Kiro hosted a State Ceremony of Welcome in hounor of the President of India. She had bilateral meetings with the Governor General, Prime Minister Mr. Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Mr. Winston Peters and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, specifically in the areas of trade, culture, sports, defence, and traditional medicine. During the bilateral meeting with the PM Luxon, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Instrument of Ratification was handed over by the NZ side to the High Commissioner. She also visited the National War Memorial of New Zealand in Wellington, and paid the tribute to thousands of martyrs by laying the wreath. On 09 August 2024, a community event was organised in Auckland which saw the participation of around 500 members of Indian diaspora.

8. PM Jacinda Ardern and PM Shri Narendra Modi had a bilateral meeting in New York on the side lines of UNGA on 25 September 2019. They discussed steps to intensify political, economic, defence, security and people to people relations.  She noted that Indian diaspora and students is an important bridge contributing to bonds of friendship between the two nations. Earlier in the day, PM Ardern gave a keynote speech at the event titled “Leadership matters: Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in the contemporary world”, underlining the three Gandhian values of tolerance, equality and sanctity of non-violence as most relevant to the contemporary world. 

9. Visit of NZ Prime Minister John Key to India:  The then NZ PM Sir John Key paid a state visit to India from 25-27 October 2016 accompanied by a large business delegation.  

10. Visit of President of India to NZ: The then President of India Shri Pranab Mukherji paid a State visit to NZ from 30 April-2 May 2016. President also addressed the business leaders, gave a lecture at Auckland University of Technology and interacted with the Indian students. An MoU between ICCR and Victoria University of Wellington to extend the Indian Chair in Wellington was signed at Auckland University of Technology in his presence.

11. Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi met NZ’s Prime Minister Mr. Chris Hipkins during the side-lines of FIPIC-III summit (22-24 May 2023) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and discussed various bilateral issues.

OTHER HIGH-LEVEL VISITS / MEETINGS:

12. DPM & FM Mr. Winston Peters’ visit to India: On 29-30 May 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters visited India. He was hosted by EAM Dr S Jaishankar. He stated that New Zealand and India discussed their enhanced relationship across a broad range of domains. He said that New Zealand and India have agreed that we can and should be doing more together. Mr Peters noted that, over the past 18 months, New Zealand and India had made concrete steps towards closer engagement across a wide range of domains, including defence and security, trade and economic cooperation, science and technology and sport.

13. Shri Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, [MoS (PM)] paid an official visit to New Zealand from May 8-10, 2025. MoS (PM) Participated the INZBC Summit dialogue "Boardroom to Border" along side Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in Auckland on May 9, 2025. MoS (PM) also called on Rt Hon Mr. Luxon on the sidelines of INZBC event and explored ways to take forward the partnership in strengthening our bilateral ties across various sectors. MoS (PM) held separate bilateral meetings with Todd McClay, Minister of Trade and Agriculture & Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs and Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand. MoS (PM) also addressed a gathering of members of the Indian community in the Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Center in Auckland and highlighted their contributions in furthering relationship between the two countries. 

14. On 16 December 2024, Commerce and Industry Minister Mr. Piyush Goyal met Mr. Todd McClay, Trade Minister of New Zealand. 

15. On 06 November 2024, EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar met NZ DPM and FM Mr. Winston Peters during Raisina Down Under at Canberra. 

16. Commerce Secretary Sh. Sunil Barthwal led a delegation on a visit to New Zealand from 26 to 27 April 2024, for a Joint Trade Committee meeting held in Wellington. Discussions were co-chaired by Mr. Rajesh Agarwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, and Mr. Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary Trade & Economic at MFAT. 

17. NZ’s Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Winston Peters visited India from 10 to 13 March 2024. Commencing his journey in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, he toured the GIFT City and engaged in discussions with Gujarat's CM, Bhupendrabhai Patel, covering shared maritime security and economic interests, along with cooperation in education, investment, infrastructure, and agro-technology. In New Delhi, Peters met External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on 12 March, focusing on elevating the India-NZ relationship, addressing strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific, and discussing global priority issues. 

18. EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar visited NZ from 5th to 9th October 2022. EAM level visit happened after a gap of 21 years. During the visit EAM & FM Nanaia Mahuta discussed opportunities for expanding the relationship and cooperating on new areas, such as climate change and sustainable agriculture. EAM also paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of NZ, Jacinda Ardern. Both leaders released India@75 postage stamps to commemorate and showcase Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in NZ. EAM also launched the book ‘Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery’. During the visit EAM also interacted with several Ministers, including Ms. Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for the Community & Voluntary Sector, Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, and Youth, the first person of Indian origin to become a Minister in NZ. 

19. NZ Trade & Agriculture Minister Mr. Damien O’Connor & Food Safety Minister Meka Whaitiri visited India in September 2022. 

20. The then DPM & FM Winston Peters led a high-level delegation to India from 25-29 February, 2020 that included Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker, Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan, ex-MP Mahesh Bindra, CEO of Asia NZ Foundation Simon Draper, senior officials from MFAT and 18 business representatives. DPM & FM Peters met EAM and reviewed the state of bilateral relations and discussed steps to intensify political, economic, defence, security and people to people relations.  

21. The then NZ DPM and EAM had earlier met on 1 August 2019 in Bangkok on the side lines of EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and had discussed issues of mutual interest including Indo-Pacific region. Both Minsters agreed to upgrade economic and political ties. They met again in Nagoya, Japan on 23 November, 2019 on the side lines of G20 Foreign Ministers meeting. 

22. Visit of MOS (VKS) to NZ: The then Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. (Rtd.) V.K. Singh visited NZ from 7-9 June 2017. He was the Guest of Honour at the Kiwi-Indian Hall of Fame event organized in Auckland by ethnic Indian newspaper ‘Indian Weekender’.

PARLIAMENTARY EXCHANGES:

1. A four-member delegation from NZ Parliament’s South and South-East Asia Parliamentary Friendship Group including Mr. Greg O’Connor from Labour Party and Mr. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Mr. Tim Mcindoe and Ms. Melissa Lee from National Party visited New Delhi and Mumbai from 20-26 November, 2019. The delegation called on MoS for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan, Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on External Affairs and the Chief Election Commissioner.

VISIT BY DELEGATIONS FROM STATES: 

24. Shri Saurabh Bahuguna, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, Government of Uttarakhand visited NZ from 27 to 31 December 2022 to study best practices in value chain development of sheep, goat and cattle husbandry, dairying and fisheries in NZ and to explore opportunities of joint ventures with cooperative organizations, farmers associations and business associates.

25. Visit of delegation from the Government of Assam: The delegation from Assam headed by Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Additional Chief Secretary visited NZ on a Horticulture Study Tour from 3 June to 10 June 2023. 

26. Visit of a delegation from the Government of Arunachal Pradesh: A seven-member delegation from the Department of Horticulture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh visited NZ on 28 November 2019 to study plantation, harvesting, nurturing and packaging of kiwi fruits. 

27. Speakers of State Legislatures visit NZ: Mr Yumnam Khemchand, Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Mr. Kedarnath Rai and Shri Lall Bahadur Das, Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly visited Auckland and Wellington respectively from 12-14 November, 2019.

 Institutional Dialogue Mechanisms:

28. Joint Trade Committee - The last JTC meeting was held on 26 April 2024. Talks were led by Mr. Rajesh Agarwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, and Mr. Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary Trade & Economic, MFAT. 

29. Foreign Ministry Consultations: On 18 August 2023, the 5th India-NZ Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) took place in Wellington. Co-chaired by Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East) and Ms. Deborah Geels, Deputy Secretary - Americas and Asia Group, MFAT the meeting highlighted the strengthened engagement between the two countries. 

30. India-NZ Cyber Dialogue: The second edition of the India-NZ Bilateral Cyber Dialogue was held on 16-17 November 2021 in virtual mode to discuss various aspects of existing bilateral cooperation in cyberspace, to exchange views on the latest developments on cyber issues at bilateral, regional, & multilateral fora and to explore initiatives to further deepen cyber cooperation. The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (Cyber Diplomacy) and the NZ side was co-led by Mr. Dan Eaton, Director National Security Policy, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) and Ms. Georgina Sargison, Acting Unit Manager, Emerging Security Issues, International Security and Disarmament Division, MFAT. Senior government officials from both the countries participated in the Cyber Dialogue. The inaugural India-NZ Cyber Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 27 November 2017. 

31. NZ-India Economic Dialogue: The seventh round of India-NZ Economic Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 28 November, 2019. The Indian side was led by Dr. C.S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary (BC&SF), Ministry of Finance, while the NZ delegation was led by Mr. Bryan Roger Chapple, Deputy Secretary (Macro Economic & Growth) in the NZ Treasury. Discussions focused on current economic conditions, global economic environment, infrastructure and tax reforms.

32. Track-II Dialogue: The 6th round of the ICWA - Asia NZ Foundation and NZ-India Research Institute Track II Dialogue was held at Sapru House, New Delhi on August 18, 2023. The event commenced with opening remarks by Ambassador Vijay Thakur Singh, Director General of the Indian Council of World Affairs, followed by statements from Professor David Capie, Director of the NZ India Research Institute. The event featured two sessions: the first, chaired by India and moderated by Ambassador Gitesh Sarma, focused on evolving global and regional geopolitical scenarios, including the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Indo-Pacific developments, and strategic uncertainties, with contributions from speakers like Professor David Capie and Manjeet Pardesi. The second session, chaired by NZ and moderated by Prof David Capie, explored economic and tech competition, discussing trade, technology, and supply chains, and opportunities for increased cooperation between NZ and India amid the backdrop of China-US rivalry, with insights from speakers such as Dr. Chaitanya Giri and Ms. Tracey Epps. The 7th round of Track-II (ICWA and ANZF) Dialogue held in Christchurch from January 30-31, 2025. Prof. Chintamani Mahapatra, former Professor, JNU, New Delhi and Dr. Pragya Pandey, Research fellow, ICWA represented India during the dialogue.

DEFENCE COOPERATION

33. India and New Zealand signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) during the recent visit of NZ PM Christopher Luxon to India from March 16-20, 2025. India-NZ defence cooperation is in keeping with the overall friendly relations and is characterized by exchange of officers in staff colleges / National Defence College, ship visits and visits by senior defence officers. 

34. Visit of INSV Tarini: From 22 December 2024 to 04 January 2025, INSV Tarini was at Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand. INSV Tarini is on circumnavigation voyage and is sailed by 2 courageous women sailors viz: Lt Cdr Roopa A and Lt Cdr Dilna K of Indian Navy. 

35. Visit of Chief of Royal NZ Navy- Chief of the Royal NZ Navy, Rear Admiral David Proctor, visited India from 19 to 27 February 2024. In addition to bilateral engagements, the Chief of the Royal NZ Navy also attended the Raisina Dialogue 2024. 

36. Vice Chief of Defence Force of NZ Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies, visited India from 20 to 24 November 2023 and engaged in discussions with senior Indian military officers, emphasising the deepening of defence ties and bilateral cooperation. 

37. In a significant and historic event, two Indian Naval Ships, INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata, made port calls in New Zealand from 31 August to 3 September 2023, with one ship visiting Wellington and the other Auckland. 

38. A 14 member NDC delegation led by Lt. General Sukriti Singh Dahiya, visited NZ from 29 May - 02 June 2023. The delegation had members from Sudan, Oman, UK and Germany as well. 

39. As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahatsov programme, the National Cadet Corps on behalf of Government of India invited the delegations of the National Cadet Corps/equivalent to the Republic Day Camp. From NZ delegation of 10 youths accompanied by 2 guardians participated in various activities of the Republic Day Camp  including Republic Day Parade, interaction with dignitaries and visit / sight-seeing to various places of historical and cultural importance from 16 January to 29 January 2023.

40. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar, with a three-member delegation, visited NZ from 29 September to 1 October 2022..

41. Meeting of Defence Ministers: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and NZ Defence Minister Mr. Ron Mark met in Bangkok on the margins of ASEAN Defence Ministers-Plus meeting on 17 November 2022 and discussed full spectrum of defence cooperation.

42. Meeting between Defence Secretaries: A virtual meeting between India’s Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and NZ Secretary of Defence, Andrew Bridgman was held on 12th August 2021.

43. Visit by ISRO Team: In October 2024, Shri Nilesh M Desai (Dist Sci & Dir), SAC ISRO and his team visited New Zealand to participate in ICG Annual meeting organised by UNOOSA in Wellington.

Cooperation in Customs Matter

44. Customs Cooperative Arrangement: In August 2024, New Zealand and India signed a Customs Cooperative Arrangement, aimed at enhancing trade ties and intensifying collaboration against transnational organized crime. The framework targets customs offences through initiatives such as information exchange and support for legitimate trade. It includes provisions for capacity building, expert exchanges, and mutual assistance in preventing, identifying, investigating, combating, and prosecuting customs offences. In March 2025, an Authorized Economic Operator - Mutual Recognition Agreement (AEO-MRA) was signed between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs of India (CBIC) and the New Zealand Customs Service.

COOPERATION IN CONSULAR MATTERS: 

45. Migration & Mobility Partnership Agreement: In October 2020, India proposed to sign a ‘Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement’. Both the countries,  in the joint statement released during the visit of NZ PM to India in March 2025, announced launch of negotiation for the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.

AGRICULTURE, DAIRY AND PRIMARY SECTOR COOPERATION:

46. A two-member delegation from FSSAI, visited NZ from 16-20 January 2023 to hold Third Consultative Forum meeting under the Food Safety Cooperation in Wellington and to discuss progressing food safety cooperation activities. 

47. Visit of Shri Saurabh Bahuguna, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy, Fisheries, Government of Uttarakhand in December 2022 - 

48. A three Member delegation from Plant Protection division of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare visited NZ from 20 to 22 February 2023 to undertake an audit of the NZ Kiwano (fruit) system for export to India and a tour of forestry sites. 

49. Jammu and Kashmir Government signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with NZ G2G for revamping the sheep farming sector in the Union Territory. The signing of MoC ceremony was held virtually on 10 February 2022.

COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

50. Protocol for Cooperation in Science and Innovation: The 3rd and the last India-NZ Joint Committee Meeting on Science & Technology was held in New Delhi on 23rd May 2016. 

51. Visit of a senior delegation for E-governance training programme: A 25-member delegation of senior bureaucrats from India, headed by Shri M.S. Rao, CEO of National E-Governance, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology visited NZ for a five day ‘NZ Digital Government Programme’ organised by Victoria University in Wellington from 11-15 November, 2019. 

52. Antarctic Cooperation: Dr Sherine Sonia Cubelio, Senior Scientist at CMLRE, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Cochin joined the ACTUATE Voyage aboard RV Tangaroa, to Antarctica. This voyage consisted 20 scientists from New Zealand and 7 other countries. These scientists headed to the bottom of the world to study the impacts of climate change on Antarctica's Ross Sea. NIWA's (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research)  RV Tangaroa (New Zealand’s only ice-strengthened & dynamically positioned deep-water research vessel) spent about a month along the Ross Sea coastline, mapping and sampling the biodiversity of marine communities and deploying ocean-monitoring robots. 

COOPERATION IN EDUCATION / INDIAN STUDENTS 

53. Indian Students: India is the 2nd largest source of international students in NZ after China. After peaking at approximately 30,000 students in 2015. Currently, there are approximately 8,000 Indian students in NZ, pursuing higher education in various disciplines such as information technology, hospitality, science, engineering, and architecture. Currently, Indian students are facing difficulties in obtaining suitable post study work visas. 

54. NZ Centre at IIT Delhi: On 11 February 2020, The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi signed a MoU with NZ universities to establish a NZ Centre at the Institute, which was inaugurated by the then DPM and Foreign Minister of NZ Winston Peters during his visit to New Delhi on 26 February, 2020.  

55. In February 2024, Education New Zealand (ENZ) furthered its commitment to India by signing two Education Cooperation Arrangements with Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, reinforcing New Zealand's commitment to India as a key education partner. These agreements were announced during the New Zealand-India Education Connect event. Also in the same month Education New Zealand (ENZ) signed another Education Cooperation Arrangement with the Karnataka State Higher Education Council to enhance educational collaboration. This collaboration focuses on exploring international partnerships in STEM, Social Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism, and Multimedia, facilitating collaborative research initiatives, and sharing best practices and trends in education. India is the “Country of Honour” at the education conference in Wellington on 6-8 August 2024. 

International Solar Allaince

56. New Zealand ratified the International Solar Alliance during the state visit of President Smt. Droupadi Murmu in August 2024.

57. In the year 2023-24 NZ exported US$ 0.84 billion of total goods and services to India and imported US$ 0.91 billion, representing a trade balance of US$-78.26 million and a total trade value of US$ 1.75 billion.  This represented 1.4% of all exports of total goods and services in this time period and 1.4% of imports. For trade in total goods and services India ranked 14 of 242 for highest export value, 15 of 241 for highest import value, and 13 of 244 for highest total trade value. India primarily imports wool, Iron & Steel, fruit & nuts and Aluminium from NZ. Indian exports to NZ mostly are pharmaceuticals/medications, Mechanical Machinery, Made up textile articles and Pearls, Precious stones & Metals.
58. Bilateral Trade in the last 5 years (in US Dollars):

*Source: Statistics NZ
59. Joint Trade Committee and: The two countries set up a Joint Trade Committee in 1983 under the NZ-India Trade Agreement signed during the visit of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to NZ in October 1986. The first meeting of the JTC was held in New Delhi in June 1987. The last (12th) round of JTC were held April 2024 to review & take measures in furtherance of bilateral trade partnership and co-operation in areas such as Agri, Pharma, Textile, Renewable Energy and services.

60. Free Trade Agreement / CECA The Joint Study Group, in its report in 2009, recommended establishment of a Trade Negotiations Committee and negotiations for a comprehensive FTA were launched in 2010.  The process lost momentum thereafter though there were informal meetings of Lead Negotiators in 2015 and 2016. Finally, during the visit of NZ PM Christopher Luxon in March 2025, both the countries decided to launch negotiation for a Free Trade Agreement / CECA. The first and second round of FTA negotiations conducted in Delhi from May 5-9, 2025 and from July 14-18, 2025 respectively.

61. Civil Aviation Cooperation: During the visit of Damien O'Connor, Minister of Trade and Export Growth to India from 27 August to 29 August 2023, the Air Services Agreement between India and NZ was upgraded and he discussed with Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia the prospects for improving air links with India with the private sector. The agreement further liberalises services and will advance code-sharing flight opportunities between Auckland and New Delhi. During PM Luxon's visit to India in March 2025, Air India and Air NZ signed an MoU to enhance air connectivity between India and New Zealand. The agreement, aims to introduce a new code-share partnership across 16 routes and explore the possibility of a direct flight between the two nations by 2028

62. Indian companies in NZ: All major Indian IT companies are present in NZ. Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and New India Assurance have commercial operations in NZ. Indian IT giant HCI, which already has a significant presence in NZ, opened a delivery centre in Hamilton primarily to service Fonterra, one of world’s biggest dairy cooperative. In 2020, it won $ 20 million annual contract from Fonterra. Mahindra Motors, Tech Mahindra Ltd, Infosys, Dr. Reddy Laboratories and Royal Enfield Motors have presence in NZ. Mahindra Motors is significantly expanding its presence in New Zealand with 20 outlets across the country. They are also planning to launch e-vehicles in New Zealand.

63. Some leading NZ companies having substantial business undertakings in India are Gallagher Group, which has installed security systems in the Indian Parliament, ISRO & other key locations; Sealegs that supplied amphibious motor boats to the Mumbai Police; Hamilton Jet which supplied water propulsion jet engines for the patrol boats of the Indian Coast Guard; Glidepath that supplies air cargo handling systems / conveyor belts at India’s international airports and has since been purchased by French Company B2A Technology; Quality NZ, supplying high-quality seafood, meat products, fruits, wine to various five-star hotels in India; Redesign Group, involved in designing of shopping malls and other projects at major Indian international airports etc; Valocity, a real estate online aggregator platform bringing together brokers, lenders and home buyers, that was included in the top 20 financial technology companies by India Fin-tech Awards. Rakon NZ has established a manufacturing unit in Bengaluru through a joint venture with Centum Electronics Limited, specializing in telecommunications products. Their chips were used in Chandrayaan-3.

64. India NZ Business Council (INZBC) is the prominent organization working to promote India-NZ trade and investment relations. Founded in 1988 and based in Auckland, INZBC lobbies with the government, disseminates information through its publications and facilitates business development by leveraging networks. Every year it organizes its flagship event titled ‘India-NZ Business Summit, which draws participation from the highest level of leadership in government, business and academia from both countries to deliberate on ways and means of strengthening bilateral trade and investment. The last edition of their annual Business Summit was held under theme “Boardroom to Border” in May 2025 which was inaugurated by NZ PM Christopher Luxon and attended by MoS (PM) Pabitra Margrita alongside several other ministers of the New Zealand government.   

65. New Zealand - Bharat Chamber of Commerce and Industry - On 21 September 2024, High Commissioner along with Mr. Winston Peters, Deputy PM & FM inaugurated New Zealand - Bharat Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The aim of NZBCCI is to fostering strong business ties and opportunities between New Zealand and India and  empowering businesses to succeed in bilateral trade and economic partnerships.

Trade Promotion Activities

66. The High Commission has been actively promoting trade ties with New Zealand through various initiatives. On 12 February 2023, a Pharmexcil delegation organized a two-day B2B Pharma event in Wellington, involving 22 Indian pharma companies. On 19 April 2023, an agricultural/horticultural seminar was held in collaboration with the NZ International Business Forum. A half-day symposium on 31 May 2023, focused on enhancing trade, tourism, technology, and diplomacy between the two countries, featuring NZ Trade Minister Damien O’Connor. On 27 June 2023, a 'Make in India' event marked the inauguration of Rakon's manufacturing unit in Bengaluru. The Indian Business Summit on 28 September 2023, in Auckland, facilitated discussions on trade, digital transformation, and climate change, attended by NZ Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and India's Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. A half-day event on 5 December 2023, highlighted business, tourism, and culture from Assam, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh. The 'Super Sourcing Oceania Expo' on 7 March 2024, brought together 35 Indian companies and 250 NZ counterparts for B2B exchanges. 27 Indian companies participated in the 42nd EMEX in Auckland from 28-30 May 2024, focusing on engineering, manufacturing technology, and electronics. On  13 February 2025, High Commission organized a Business event in the Chancery Premises titling "A New Era of NZ-India Business Relations". Minister of Trade, Mr Todd McClay delivered his key note address and emphasized the need to enhance bilateral trade, people to people connections and all around collaboration rather than just buying & selling.

67. The presence of large Indian diaspora in NZ and strong people-to-people linkages act as the foundation for close cultural cooperation between the two countries. 

68. All Indian festivals including Diwali, Holi, Rakshabandhan, Baisakhi, Guruparvs, Onam, Pongal, Annakut etc are celebrated with much enthusiasm all over NZ. There are several schools all over NZ that teach Indian traditional art forms such as Kathak and Bharatnatyam as well as contemporary Bollywood dance styles. There are several schools teaching and promoting Hindi and other Indian languages in NZ.

69. Rajasthani Troupe: In January 2024, an eight-member Rajasthani cultural troupe embarked on a tour of NZ, captivating audiences with nine dynamic performances, which include performances in the Republic Day celebrations at the High Commission, showcasing the authentic folk music and dance of Rajasthan. 

70. Diwali Stamps: A set of four new stamps depicting the story of Diwali was issued by NZ Post in October 2021. Each of the four stamps represents one of the ways in which Diwali is celebrated. 

71. National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal: India and New Zealand are working for signing of an MoU to build a National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat and a draft of the MoU was also shared with MFAT and discussions are on.

72. Both India and NZ have enjoyed close sporting links, particularly in cricket, hockey and mountaineering. In the field of mountaineering, Sir Edmund Hillary, who is considered a NZ hero, is also an iconic name in India. He served as NZ High Commissioner to India from 1985 to 1988. In the field of cricket, both countries started playing at test level in 1950s and enjoy a friendly rivalry.

73. In celebration of India's 75th year of independence during the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,' two supervisors and ten cadets from NZ, comprising a mix of boys and girls, were selected through a quiz competition centered on India's history, culture, and achievements over the past 75 years. They had the opportunity to participate in the Republic Day Camp in India in January 2023. The programme, which took place from 16 January to 29 January 2023, included attendance at significant national events, visits to historical and cultural sites, interactions with dignitaries, and exposure to Indian culture.

74. MoU on Youth Affairs & Sports: A MoU between Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Sport NZ was signed on 26 October 2016. Both the countries during the state visit of NZ PM Christopher Luxon in March 2025 updated the sports ties and signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in Sports between the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports of the Government of India and the Sport New Zealand of the Government of New Zealand. New Zealand is considering celebrating 100 years of sporting links with India, marking a century of athletic exchange and competition between the two nations. The first hockey from NZ visited in 1926.

75. Sir Edmund Hillary Prime Minister’s Fellowship awarded to Ms. Deepa Malik: Indian Paralympian, Ms Deepa Malik visited NZ from 8-10 May, 2019 to receive the Sir Edmund Hillary Prime Minister’s Fellowship for NZ for 2019. She met NZ PM Jacinda Ardern and other NZ Govt representatives and addressed interactive events organised by the High Commission in Wellington and in Auckland by the Auckland Indian Association.

76. Indians started arriving in NZ in the late 18th century on British East India Company ships, bringing supplies to Australian convict settlements. Most of the initial immigrants were from Gujarat followed by Punjab. Initial immigrants faced lot of hostility and discrimination. From the very beginning Indians understood the value of unity despite religious and other differences and established associations to combat ignorance and hostility and to promote Indian values and culture. It is quite remarkable to note that in those early days, even when India was yet to become an independent country, they had the vision to unite and form the Auckland Indian Association in 1920. Initially, most Indians settled down in the North Island, especially Auckland, although there were communities in Wellington, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Manawatu and Wairarapa and Christchurch. After the Second World War, Punjabi Sikhs who often had farming experience, settled mainly in the Waikato district and took up dairy farming. Following the 1987 and 2000 military coups in Fiji, many Fijian Indians were accepted on humanitarian grounds. During 1970s, with the opening of supermarkets and dairies (convenience stores), Indian immigrants started working in retail, video stores and restaurants. The hard-working Indians, with the habit to save, soon prospered and became owners of dairies and restaurants where they originally worked. Women also arrived in greater numbers to help their husbands and fathers in the businesses and resultantly the Indian community became more balanced and settled. During the 1980s, a liberal immigration policy along with political instability in other countries brought many more Indians to NZ. In the last decade, most of the new immigrants came as students and settled down in jobs and professions after completing their education.

77. There are approximately 3,00,000 PIOs in NZ out of which about 70,000 persons are estimated to be Indian passport holders and the rest holding NZ passports. Out of these, 35,000 persons are estimated to be of Fijian-Indian descent. Hindi is the fifth most spoken language in NZ after English, Maori, Samoan and Mandarin. While many are engaged in grocery and food distribution business, dairy farming and as cab drivers, there are also several professionals including doctors, professors, engineers, chartered accountants and computer experts. As per a recent study conducted by an Indian community association, by a conservative estimate, persons of Indian origin now contribute more than NZ $ 10 billion to NZ’s GDP. A bill is currently under consideration of NZ Parliament for drawing a list of ten languages to be taught in NZ primary and intermediate schools as a second language and High Commission is supporting the efforts of Hindi academics and activists in NZ for inclusion of Hindi in those ten languages. 

78. Opening of Consulate in Auckland: The new Consulate in Auckland was made operational from 5 September 2024 and has started delivering consular services. 

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