India, New Zealand back free, open and secure Indo-Pacific: PM Modi
By : Sandhya
In a joint speech with his counterpart from New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that both countries support a "free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific" and favor growth over expansionism. In their meeting at New Delhi's Hyderabad House, the two prime ministers signed a defence cooperation pact between India and New Zealand.
PM Modi appreciated Luxon for his long-time association with India and also took note of the New Zealand leader's recent Holi celebration in Auckland.
"We will continue to cooperate against terrorist, separatist and radical elements," PM Modi stated, adding that the leaders had "now decided to give our defence and security ties a strong and strategic form" after extensive discussions on a number of topics pertaining to India and New Zealand's bilateral relations.