India–New Zealand relations

India-New Zealand relations

New Zealand	India
Diplomatic mission
High Commission of New Zealand, New Delhi	High Commission of India, Wellington
Envoy
New Zealand High Commissioner to India David Pine	Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Ms Neeta Bhushan[1]

Prime Ministers John Key and Narendra Modi meeting in Washington DC, March 2016.

India–New Zealand relations are the interactions between India and New Zealand. Both these countries were once part of the British Empire. There are approximately 175,000 people of Indian descent in New Zealand.^[2][3]

History

Bilateral relations were established between India and New Zealand in 1952.^[4] India–New Zealand relations were cordial but not extensive after Indian independence. More recently, New Zealand has shown interest in extending ties with India due to India's impressive GDP growth.^{[citation needed]}

The countries set up a Joint Trade Committee in 1983 and have had discussions on a free trade agreement either bilaterally or through the East Asian Summit, but this has not emerged due to disagreements over agricultural subsidies. There is also some educational cooperation, with around 23,000 Indian students studying in New Zealand.^[5]

Defence cooperation has been more limited, but there have been joint naval exercises, and Indian and New Zealand troops have served together in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Sudan.^{[citation needed]}

India and New Zealand have a bilateral cyber dialogue.^[6] In November 2017, the first India-New Zealand Cyber Dialogue was held in New Delhi.^[7] The Indian Delegation was led by Sanjay Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.^[7] The New Zealand delegation was led by Paul Ash, Director of the National Cyber Policy Office, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Areas of discussion included domestic cyber policy landscape, cyber threats and mitigation, new technologies, mechanism on bilateral cooperation and possible cooperation at various international fora and regional fora.^[7]

In early November 2024, Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar raised concerns with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters about a planned non-binding referendum on Khalistan's independence in Auckland that was organised by the Sikhs for Justice. The Auckland Council and its business subsidiary Tātaki Auckland Unlimited gave approval for the referendum to be held on 17 November, citing people's right to peaceful assembly.^[8] On 17 November, the Auckland referendum was attended by thousands.^[9]

Resident diplomatic missions

India has a High Commission in Wellington with an Honorary Consulate in Auckland, while New Zealand has a High Commission in New Delhi along with a Consulate in Mumbai, trade offices in New Delhi and Mumbai and an Honorary Consulate in Chennai.

Bilateral representation

Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian President to visit New Zealand in August 2016.^[10] The government of India notified the third protocol between India and New Zealand for avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

New Zealand Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta visited India and conducted bilateral talks with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. The talks centered around taking the bilateral relationship to the next level, including exploring future economic relationship, cooperation in International Solar Alliance, improved air connectivity and private sector collaboration. She is also promoting New Zealand's education, trade and tourism sector.^[11] Indian Foreign Minister S.Jaishankar stated that "A warm and wide ranging conversation with FM Nanaia Mahuta of New Zealand this evening. Discussion covered our expanding ties that is being reflected in increased frequency of our contacts. Shared views on the global situation from our vantage points, including on the Indo-Pacific. Appreciated her perspectives of the region. Welcome New Zealand’s joining the International Solar Alliance.”^[12]

New Zealand India Research Institute

The New Zealand India Research Institute was a result of the increasing co-operation. Based at Victoria University in Wellington it involved nearly 40 academics in five New Zealand universities – Victoria, Auckland, Massey, Canterbury and Otago - in research on India and NZ-India relations. The inaugural meeting of the India-New Zealand Education Council took place in 2012 when the institute was established.^[13]

See also

• Indian New Zealander

References

1. "Ms. Neeta Bhushan appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to New Zealand". mea.gov.in. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
2. "Indians in New Zealand form fastest growing ethnic group". NRI Online. 15 May 2007. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007.
3. "Indian overseas Population - Indians in New Zealand". NRI Online. Archived from the original on 13 August 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
4. "Bilateral Relations »". www.hicomind.org.nz. Archived from the original on 21 July 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
5. "India-New Zealand Relations". Indian High Commission, New Zealand. January 2013. Archived from the original on 30 April 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
6. Patil, Sameer (30 June 2022). "Indian cyber resilience in the Indo-Pacific". Gateway House. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
7. "India-New Zealand Cyber Dialogue, New Delhi (November 27, 2017)". Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. 27 November 2017.
8. Sharma, Gaurav (8 November 2024). "Khalistan 'referendum' in Auckland discussed at top diplomatic levels". RNZ. Archived from the original on 18 November 2024. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
9. "Auckland 'referendum' on Khalistan attracts thousands". RNZ. 18 November 2024. Archived from the original on 18 November 2024. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
10. "Media Statement by the President of India upon the conclusion of his state visit to Papua New Guinea and New Zealand en route from Auckland to New Delhi". Press Information Bureau. 2 May 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
11. Sharpe, Marty (4 February 2023). "Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta off to India to promote education, trade, tourism". Stuff. Retrieved 8 February 2023. New Zealand sees India as a core and influential partner in the Indo-Pacific and we have welcomed their participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. This framework offers a key vehicle for engaging with India as part of a broader regional agenda.
12. "EAM S Jaishankar holds talks with visiting New Zealand FM Nanaia Mahuta". Indiablooms.com. 8 February 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
13. Joyce, Steven (19 October 2012). "NZ-India Research Institute welcomed". NZ Government. Retrieved 21 May 2013.

External links

• High Commission of India in Wellington
• High Commission of New Zealand in New Delhi
• India and New Zealand in the Asian Century 2007 New Zealand government press release