Syllabus: GS2/International Relations
Context
- Recently, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs visited India and emphasized India’s role as a ‘geopolitical giant’ and an ‘indispensable security actor’.
About India-New Zealand Relations
- India and New Zealand established their diplomatic relations in 1952. Both countries are members of the Commonwealth, sharing democratic values and governance principles.
- They collaborate on regional and global security issues, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. They emphasize freedom of navigation, maritime security, and counterterrorism efforts.
- New Zealand identified India as a priority country in its ‘Opening Doors to India’ policy notified in October 2011, which was reiterated in 2015.
Strategic and Defence Cooperation
- In March 2025, both nations signed a Defence MoU to enhance military cooperation, including staff college exchanges and naval port calls.
- New Zealand’s participation in ‘Combined Task Force 150’ highlights its commitment to maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
- Combined Task Force 150 is based in Bahrain and focuses on maritime security in the Middle East and piracy in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.
- INSV Tarini, an Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV), a circumnavigation mission under ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama-II’ made a port call at Port Lyttelton recently.
- Earlier, two Indian Naval Ships, INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata, made port calls in New Zealand in 2023, with one ship visiting Wellington and the other Auckland.
Economic and Trade Relations
- Bilateral Trade (2023-24): $1.75 Billion
- NZ exported US$ 0.84 Billion & imported US$ 0.91 Billion of total goods and services.
- India primarily imports wool, iron & steel, fruits & nuts, and aluminum, while exporting pharmaceuticals, mechanical machinery, and textiles to New Zealand.
- Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (CFTA): It was announced by both nations, aiming to enhance market access and strengthen supply chain integration in March 2025.
- It is expected to grow with New Zealand’s participation in India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
Education and Cultural Exchange
- New Zealand hosts approximately 300,000 persons of Indian origin, contributing to its diverse cultural landscape.
- Additionally, around 8,000 Indian students pursue higher education in fields such as information technology, hospitality, science, engineering, and architecture.
- Tourism and sports, particularly cricket, hockey, and mountaineering, have played a significant role in fostering goodwill between the two nations.
Key Concerns in Bilateral Relations
- Trade Barriers: India’s exit from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) due to concerns over agricultural imports has impacted trade negotiations.
- Geopolitical Challenges: New Zealand’s strong trade ties with China ($24 billion) raise strategic concerns for India.
- Political Sensitivities: India has expressed concerns over anti-India activities in New Zealand, including protests by certain groups.
- While New Zealand upholds free expression, such issues require careful diplomatic handling.
Conclusion
- New Zealand’s renewed focus on India reflects a broader shift in its foreign policy, emphasizing realism, diplomacy, and the significance of small states in global affairs.
- As both nations continue to collaborate on defence, security, and trade, their partnership is set to play a vital role in shaping the Indo-Pacific’s future.
Previous article
Push for Russia-India-China Revival