India and New Zealand also reiterate their absolute condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and the use of terrorist proxies in cross-border terrorism.
Meeting in New Delhi on Monday (March 17, 2025), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon decided to ramp up cooperation in defence and security.

This was reflected in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation signed between the Ministry of Defence of India and the New Zealand Ministry of Defence in the presence of the two Prime Ministers.

According to the Joint Statement issued after delegation-level talks between PM Modi and New Zealand PM Luxon, the two leaders welcomed the signing of the MoU, saying this would further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and establish regular bilateral defence engagement. 

The two Prime Ministers also highlighted the sustained progress in defence engagements, including through participation in military exercises, staff college exchanges, regular port calls by naval ships, and exchange of high-level defence delegations. 

During their talks, both sides noted the need for ensuring the safety and security of sea lanes of communication and agreed there needs to be regular dialogue to discuss enhancement of maritime safety, the Joint Statement added.

Disrupting Terrorism Financing Networks, Dismantling of Terror Infrastructure
 The Prime Ministers reiterated their absolute condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and the use of terrorist proxies in cross-border terrorism. “Both stressed the urgent need for all countries to take immediate, sustained, measurable, and concrete action against UN-proscribed terrorist organizations and individuals,” the Joint Statement noted. 

They called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, dismantling of terror infrastructure, including online, and bringing perpetrators of terrorism to justice swiftly. The two leaders agreed to cooperate in combating terrorism and violent extremism through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. 

Support for Open, Inclusive, Stable and Prosperous Indo-Pacific
 The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting an open, inclusive, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected.

They noted cooperation between India and New Zealand in various regional fora, including ASEAN-led forums such as the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus and the ASEAN Regional Forum. “The Leaders reaffirmed the importance of these regional bodies and ASEAN centrality for furthering security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and emphasised the importance of all parties maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the Joint Statement said.

The New Zealand Prime Minister is on an official visit to India from March 16-20, 2025. This is his first visit to India in his current capacity and he is visiting Mumbai after completing the New Delhi leg of his tour.

Prime Minister Luxon is accompanied by Louise Upston, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities, and Sport and Recreation, and Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, Agriculture, and Forestry. A high-level delegation comprising officials, and representatives of businesses, community diaspora, media and cultural groups is also part of the New Zealand Prime Minister’s entourage.