Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he is “really proud” of the achievements of New Zealand’s delegation to India, one of the largest in the country’s history, following a productive trip.
The five-day trip, where he held bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, began with the relaunch of free trade negotiations between the two countries. The first round of negotiations are set to start next month.
“It’s been really successful; these are two countries that actually should be doing a lot more together,” Luxon said.
“I think what you’ve seen is a projection from both prime ministers to our trade ministers and onto our teams that actually, we want to do a deal.”
Negotiations had previously begun in 2010 under John Key’s government but stalled over issues such as market access.
New Zealand sought more access to India’s dairy market, which it has traditionally protected to support farmers.
A deal involving dairy remained a sensitive topic, but Luxon said it was a challenge that New Zealand had identified as crucial.
After a decade hiatus, Free Trade Agreement negotiations between India and New Zealand are set to resume. (Source: Q and A)
“The answer is not to say, ‘well, let’s not try’, the answer is not to say ‘oh, it’s all just too hard, let’s give up before we’ve even started’ and so we’ve acknowledged that upfront with the Indian community that’s important to us.”
A defence cooperation pact was signed by the two leaders for enhanced maritime security. They also signalled an exploration of greater collaboration in the digital payments sector.
“If you want prosperity in 2025, it comes with security, and you can’t have one without the other.”
Asked about Modi’s comments on “anti-India activities” deriving from “some illegal elements” in New Zealand, Luxon said he would not go into the specifics of the case.
It is believed Modi was referring to the Khalistan movement which pushes for a Sikh homeland in India.
“What I can say to you very clearly is what I said to Prime Minister Modi, ‘thank you for sharing your assessment of that risk’, from our point of view, we are a liberal democracy,” Luxon said.
“We have free speech, we have protest.”
Q+A with Jack Tame is made with the support of NZ on Air.
