India, New Zealand ink defence pact to institutionalise defence and security ties

New Delhi: India and New Zealand on Monday inked a mega pact to institutionalise their defence and security ties even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed concerns to his Kiwi counterpart over certain unlawful elements carrying out anti-India activities in the Pacific island nation.

Modi and visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held wide-ranging talks with a focus on ramping up overall bilateral ties, especially in areas of trade, defence, education and agriculture.

In his media statement, Modi said both sides decided to strengthen and institutionalise defence and security partnership and a roadmap will be prepared for cooperation in the defence industry sector.

"We both are unanimous against terrorism. Whether it is the Christchurch terrorist attack of March 15, 2019, or the Mumbai attack of November 26, 2008, terrorism in any form is unacceptable," he said.

The prime minister said strict action is necessary against those guilty of terrorist attacks.

"We will continue to cooperate together against terrorist, separatist and radical elements," Modi said.

"In this context, we shared our concern about anti-India activities by some illegal elements in New Zealand," he said.

Modi said India is confident that it will continue to receive cooperation from the New Zealand government against all these "illegal elements".

The prime minister also referred to India and New Zealand deciding to start negotiations for a mutually beneficial free trade pact.

"This will boost the potential of mutual trade and investment. Mutual cooperation and investment will be encouraged in areas like dairy, food processing, and pharma," he said.

Modi said India and New Zealand support a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific.

"We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism," he said.

The New Zealand prime minister said Modi and he discussed a challenging strategic outlook in the Indo-Pacific.

"I reiterated our strong commitment to address shared concerns over our respective interests in contributing to a prosperous Indo-Pacific," Luxon said.