India and New Zealand have agreed to establish a joint working group on counterterrorism as both countries strengthen cooperation on security, intelligence sharing and Indo-Pacific stability during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Auckland.
The announcement was among the key outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s two-day official visit to New Zealand — the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades.
In a joint statement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reaffirmed their commitment to a “zero-tolerance and consistent approach to terrorism”, including efforts to disrupt terror financing networks, dismantle terrorist infrastructure and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
Speaking at a community event in Auckland, Modi said the new mechanism would help both nations work together in confronting terrorism.
“We have done this to fight against terrorism shoulder to shoulder,” Modi said.
“Cooperation between India and New Zealand is of utmost importance for peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.”
The two leaders also announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, expanding cooperation across defence, security, trade, education, tourism, sports and culture.
The visit marked a significant milestone in India-New Zealand relations, with Luxon personally welcoming and farewelling Modi at Auckland Airport — a gesture described by Modi as deeply touching.
During their talks, the leaders welcomed progress on defence cooperation, including the implementation of the 2025 India-New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation.
The two countries agreed to maintain regular engagement between defence ministries and military services, while strengthening maritime cooperation through new arrangements focused on maritime security, logistics support, hydrography and nautical cooperation.
India and New Zealand also agreed to enhance collaboration against transnational organised crime, including illicit drug trafficking, financial crime, cyber-enabled crime, terrorism-related offences, people smuggling and human trafficking.
The leaders highlighted their shared interest in maintaining a free, open and peaceful Indo-Pacific region and agreed to strengthen information exchange and coordination.
Modi also used his address to the Indian community at Auckland’s Spark Arena to highlight the contribution of the diaspora and the growing partnership between the two nations.
“India and New Zealand are united by shared democratic values, trust and a commitment to peace and prosperity.”
The visit also saw discussions on education cooperation, with Modi inviting leading New Zealand universities to establish campuses in India, alongside cultural cooperation initiatives.
The two countries are also progressing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement, which both leaders described as an important pillar of future economic engagement.
The visit, coming 40 years after the last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand, has been described by both governments as a new chapter in bilateral relations.
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