India and New Zealand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation, reinforcing their security partnership and enhancing maritime safety efforts in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement was announced following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in New Delhi on Monday.
Modi and Luxon emphasized the need to institutionalize defence collaboration during the bilateral talks. Modi stated that both nations would develop a roadmap for cooperation in the defence industry sector, highlighting their shared commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
“We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism,” Modi said, in a veiled reference to China’s assertive stance in the region.
Luxon, echoing similar concerns, acknowledged the “challenging strategic outlook” in the Indo-Pacific. “I reiterated our strong commitment to addressing shared concerns and contributing to a stable and prosperous region,” he added.
Shared Interests in Indo-Pacific
A joint statement released after the meeting underscored the increasing uncertainties in global security and the significance of maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific.
“As maritime nations, India and New Zealand share a strong common interest in an open, inclusive, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where the rules-based international order is upheld,” the statement read.
The agreement will establish regular bilateral defence engagements, ensuring closer collaboration between the two countries. Both leaders also stressed the need for sustained dialogue on maritime security and the protection of vital sea lanes.
Advancing Defence Engagements
New Zealand welcomed India’s participation in the Combined Maritime Forces and acknowledged progress in defence cooperation during New Zealand’s command of Command Task Force 150.
Both nations also recognized their shared military history, honouring Indian and New Zealand service personnel who fought alongside each other over the past century.
The leaders commended ongoing defence collaborations, including joint military exercises, staff college exchanges, high-level defence delegations, and naval port calls.
Notably, the Indian Naval sailing vessel Tarini made a port call in Lyttelton, Christchurch, in December 2024, while the Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Te Kaha is set to visit Mumbai in the near future—further underscoring the growing defence ties between the two nations.
With this new defence cooperation pact, India and New Zealand reaffirm their commitment to regional security, stability, and maritime safety, marking a significant step forward in their strategic partnership.
Team BharatShakti
