Growing up in India, and later migrating to New Zealand have helped me gain a deep understanding of both nations. Building enduring kiwi businesses with a strong community focus has further enriched my perspective. This journey has provided me with valuable insights that can help foster stronger collaboration between India and New Zealand, and as part of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s entourage, we are aiming for the same.
At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the upcoming visit of New Zealand’s prime minister to India from March 16-20, 2025, is more than just a routine diplomatic excursion. It is a strong statement about the evolving relationship between our two nations and the shared vision for a futuristic Indo-Pacific.
One of the highlights of Luxon’s visit will be his role as the Chief Guest at the prestigious Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier geopolitical conference. It’s a golden opportunity for him to present New Zealand’s vision for the Indo-Pacific and to forge new alliances with India and other key regional players.
Being in the spotlight at Raisina isn’t just about delivering a well-crafted speech, it’s about signalling that New Zealand is ready to step up as a serious partner in the region. With various stakeholders in the room, this moment could define the next phase of Indo-Pacific diplomacy and grow the bond between both nations.
New Zealand and India already see eye to eye on many Indo-Pacific challenges. From maintaining maritime security to addressing climate change and ensuring resilient supply chains, there’s a long list of areas where this collaboration can be deepened.
Take India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, which aligns perfectly with New Zealand’s maritime expertise. The potential for cooperation in ocean sustainability and naval collaboration is immense, with ample more room for meaningful strategic alignment.
Luxon’s choice to visit India before China is more than a mere scheduling decision. It potentially signals some shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy approach, aptly reflecting India’s growing significance on the world stage. As the world’s largest democracy and fifth-largest economy, India is no longer just an emerging power. It is a powerhouse shaping the global future.
While China remains New Zealand’s largest trading partner, Luxon’s visit underscores New Zealand’s desire to diversify its strategic and economic ties.
The growth in India’s GDP presents a good opportunity for Kiwi businesses. New Zealands prowess in digital technologies, agritech, fintech, education and space exploration are areas of possible cooperation and growth. Logically, Luxon’s visit will most likely focus on reducing trade barriers, discussing sectoral agreements and exploring new investment avenues.
One particularly exciting area of discussion will be the long-awaited direct flight between India and New Zealand. Improved connectivity will not only boost trade but also give a fresh impetus to tourism and cultural exchanges. Imagine a future where it’s easier than ever for Indian travelers to explore New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, or for Kiwi businesses to tap into the vast Indian market.
Global diplomacy is no longer just about increasing trade, it also centres around the people to people connect. With a thriving Indian diaspora of nearly 300,000 in New Zealand, the ties between our nations are deep and enduring. This visit will seek to strengthen those bonds further, particularly around the fields of tourism, immigration, education and cultural exchange.
New Zealand’s world-class universities have a unique opportunity to partner with Indian institutions, creating future-ready talent pools and expanding student mobility.
Despite New Zealand losing to the Indian side in the recently concluded Champions Trophy, the bond over this game between the two nations remains strong. With the cricketing world gearing up to celebrate the India-New Zealand cricket centenary in 2026, what better way to reaffirm our shared love for the game than through such sporting collaborations.
Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has embraced ambitious reforms and a future-focused growth model. His push for Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (a self-reliant India) and the Digital India initiative align well with New Zealand’s strengths in technology, innovation and sustainability.
As an example, Modi’s focus to uplift Indias Agri sector is a perfect match for New Zealand’s expertise in this area. Technology transfers could revolutionize agri production while addressing climate change concerns. Likewise, India’s expanding renewable energy ambitions could benefit from New Zealand’s advanced clean-energy technologies.
In the digital space, India’s booming startup ecosystem provides fertile ground for partnerships in fintech, healthtech, AI and cybersecurity. By combining New Zealand’s innovation-driven mindset with India’s scale and ambition, both countries stand to gain.
At the heart of this upcoming visit is a shared vision, one that values democracy, economic resilience, and regional stability. New Zealand and India may be geographically distant, but their strategic interests are more aligned than ever before.
The time to act is now. In an interconnected world, standing still is not an option. India and New Zealand have a rare chance to shape the Indo-Pacific century together.
Bhav Dhillon is the former Honorary Consul of India in Auckland
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