Key Outcomes of Modi-Luxon Talks: FTA Discussions & Skilled Worker Mobility, Says MEA
- MGMMTeam
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon engaged in high-level discussions on Monday, March 17, as part of Luxon's ongoing five-day official visit to India.
According to India's Minister of External Affairs, the meeting led to several significant announcements focused on strengthening bilateral relations.
Here’s an overview of the key agreements and announcements made.
Commencement of FTA Negotiations
The meeting marked the revival of negotiations on a long-pending free trade agreement (FTA), discussions on skilled worker mobility, and the signing of multiple bilateral agreements across various sectors.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to resuming talks on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), which had remained dormant since 2015.
Initially launched in 2010, the negotiations aimed to facilitate trade in goods, services, and investments. The renewed efforts highlight a shared dedication to deepening economic ties between India and New Zealand.
Enhancing Mobility Agreements for Skilled Workers
A key outcome of the meeting was the commencement of negotiations on a framework aimed at enhancing the mobility of professionals and skilled workers.
Luxon recognized the valuable contributions of the Indian diaspora, highlighting that India is New Zealand’s largest source of skilled migrants and the second-largest contributor of international students.
New Zealand Becomes a Member of IPOI and CDRI
The two nations also declared New Zealand's official participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), a framework introduced by Modi at the 2019 East Asia Summit in Bangkok to enhance maritime safety, security, and stability.
Additionally, New Zealand joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), a global alliance dedicated to bolstering infrastructure resilience against climate and disaster risks. Modi first introduced the CDRI at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in 2019.
India and New Zealand: A Strategic Partnership
This is Luxon’s first visit to India as prime minister, accompanied by senior ministers and a prominent business delegation.
Arriving in India on Sunday for a five-day official tour, Luxon also met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. His schedule includes visits to New Delhi and Mumbai, where he will interact with policymakers, business executives, and the Indian diaspora. Additionally, he will deliver the keynote address at the Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and international affairs, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi.
“His affection for people of Indian origin is evident, and we are pleased to have a young leader like him as the chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue 2025,” Modi declared during a joint press conference.
Meanwhile, Luxon referred to the visit as a chance to strengthen collaboration across various sectors. “India is a vital partner, and this visit reinforces our shared vision for economic growth and stronger bilateral relations,” he said.
Bilateral Agreements Signed
In addition to these major announcements, both countries signed a number of bilateral agreements, strengthening cooperation across various sectors:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation between India's Ministry of Defence and New Zealand's Ministry of Defence.
An Authorised Economic Operator - Mutual Recognition Agreement (AEO-MRA) between India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and New Zealand's Customs Service.
A Memorandum of Cooperation on horticulture between India's Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries.
A Letter of Intent on forestry between India's Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries.
An Education Cooperation Agreement between the education ministries of both nations.
A Memorandum of Cooperation in sports between India's Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Sport New Zealand.
Comments