The diplomatic engagement between New Zealand and India has taken a progressive turn with Winston Peters, the Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, visiting India for talks with Indian officials. Peters commenced his visit in New Delhi and followed with significant meetings in Gujarat.
During his stay in Gandhinagar on March 11, Peters met with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The focus of their discussions was to explore ways of strengthening bilateral ties and establish a joint committee aimed at cementing the cooperative relationship between Gujarat and New Zealand. The diverse areas of potential collaboration include education, agri-business, food security, and dairy farming, with added interest in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and tourism.
Patel took the opportunity to emphasize India’s National Education Policy of 2020, which redefines priorities including skill development and employability, prompting the suggestion that New Zealand companies might benefit from India’s expanding digital landscape, especially in fintech, at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
In the capital city, New Zealand’s foreign minister exchanged greetings with his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar, signalling the anticipation of productive discussions. Peters’ visit, stretching from March 10 to 13, marked his first official engagement with India following the establishment of New Zealand’s new government in November 2023 and served as a follow-up to his previous visit in February 2020.
The two nations already share a foundation of democratic traditions and values, further bolstered by strong people-to-people connections. Their relationship spans across many sectors, encompassing trade, defence, education, and environmental concerns. The diplomatic bond originally took root in 1952 and has since experienced an evolution, with India being named a priority country in New Zealand’s international strategy.
As India aims to step into its role as the third-largest world economy in the coming years, initiatives such as the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, which has seen ten editions so far, are instrumental. With leaders from both countries invested in deepening ties and exploring mutual benefits, the visit by New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister underscores the ongoing commitment to nurturing India as a ‘Vishva Mitra’ – a global friend.