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 | |
 New Zealand |  India |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic mission | |
| High Commission of New Zealand,New Delhi | High Commission of India,Wellington |
| Envoy | |
| New Zealand High Commissioner toIndia David Pine | Indian High Commissioner toNew Zealand Ms Neeta Bhushan[1] |
India–New Zealand relations are the interactions betweenIndia andNew Zealand. Both these countries were once part of theBritish Empire. There are approximately 175,000people of Indian descent in New Zealand.[2][3]
Bilateral relations were established between India and New Zealand in 1952.[4] India–New Zealand relations were cordial but not extensive afterIndian independence. More recently, New Zealand has shown interest in extending ties with India due toIndia's impressive GDP growth.[citation needed]
The countries set up aJoint Trade Committee in 1983 and have had discussions on afree trade agreement either bilaterally or through theEast Asian Summit, but this has not emerged due to disagreements overagricultural 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, andIndian andNew Zealand troops have served together inUnited Nationspeacekeeping missions inKosovo andSudan.[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, IndianMinister of External AffairsS. Jaishankar raised concerns with New ZealandForeign MinisterWinston Peters about a planned non-bindingreferendum onKhalistan's independence in Auckland that was organised by theSikhs for Justice. TheAuckland 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]
India has a High Commission inWellington with anHonorary Consulate inAuckland, while New Zealand has a High Commission inNew Delhi along with aConsulate inMumbai,trade offices in New Delhi and Mumbai and an Honorary Consulate inChennai.
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 MinisterS. Jaishankar. The talks centered around taking the bilateral relationship to the next level, including exploring future economic relationship, cooperation inInternational 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]
Between 15 and 19 March 2025,[13]New Zealand Prime MinisterChristopher Luxon andTrade MinisterTodd McClay led a trade delegation to India. The New Zealand and Indian governments also agreed to enter into free trade negotiations commencing in April 2025.[14][15] Luxon also met withIndian Prime MinisterNarendra Modi to discuss defence and security cooperation. The two leaders signed a bilateral defence agreement.[15] In addition, Modi raised concerns about so-called "anti-India" activities in New Zealand.[16] During his state visit, Luxon also visited anIndian Navy warship andHMNZS Te Kaha, which was docking inMumbai to host a networking event with the Indian Navy. Chinese Ambassador Wang Xiaolong published aTwitter post indirectly criticising Luxon's visit to India, stating: "It hardly serves your best interests when you try to promote one significant relationship by damaging another."[17]
The New Zealand India Research Institute was established in 2012 for research on India and NZ–India relations. Administratively based atVictoria University of Wellington, it initially involved nearly 40 academics in five New Zealand universities – Victoria, Auckland, Massey, Canterbury and Otago. The inaugural meeting of the India-New Zealand Education Council took place when the institute was established.[18] Academics from seven New Zealand universities were later involved.[19]
India and New Zealand have a cricketing relationship which has often seen New Zealand win in international knockout matches.[20]
There is also a minor presence of Indian games such as kabaddi and kho kho in New Zealand due to migration and cultural events such as theNew Zealand Sikh Games.[21][22]
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.
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