India–New Zealand relations refer to the interaction between India and New Zealand. Both these countries were once part of the British Empire.
Bilateral relations were established between India and New Zealand in 1952.
India has a High Commission in Wellington with an Honorary Consulate in Auckland, while New Zealand has a High Commission in New Delhi along with a Consulate in Mumbai, trade offices in New Delhi and Mumbai and an Honorary Consulate in Chennai.
This article will further give details about the India-New Zealand Relations within the context of the IAS Exam.
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Overview of India-New Zealand Relations
India–New Zealand relations were cordial but not extensive after Indian independence. More recently, New Zealand has shown interest in extending ties with India due to India’s impressive GDP growth.
Defence cooperation has been more limited, but there have been joint naval exercises, and Indian and New Zealand troops have served together in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions in Kosovo and Sudan.
Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian President to visit New Zealand in August 2016. On 27 November 2017, the first India-New Zealand Cyber Dialogue was held in New Delhi. The Indian Delegation was led by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.
India- New Zealand Relations: Economic Cooperation
As per NZ figures, total trade in both goods and services in 2015 amounted to US$ 1.45bn Decline in NZ export to India was caused by decrease in our purchase of coal.Major items of imports from India are pharmaceutical products, pearls, precious & semi-precious stones, vehicle and vehicle parts, textiles, apparel articles, machinery items and plastic and plastic items etc.
Main items of exports to India are wood, wood charcoal, wool, animal hair, edible fruits & nuts, raw hides and skins, etc
New Zealand and India agreed to undertake a joint study into the implications of a free trade agreement (FTA) in 2007. That study was completed in February 2009 and has since been accepted and approved by the New Zealand and Indian governments.
The negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand commenced in April 2010.The 10thround of negotiations took place in New Delhi from 16-18 February, 2015. Chief Negotiators exchanged views on the progress made so far on the sidelines of the RCEP negotiations held on Auckland in June, 2016.
Cultural and Scientific Cooperation
The first meeting of the Joint Science & Technology Committee, was held at Wellington during 26-29 August 2013.
The 3rd India-New Zealand Joint Committee Meeting on Science & Technology Committee was held in New Delhi on 23rdMay 2016.
- In light of the support by the ICCR/New Zealand organizations and initiative by the local Indian community, there have been many visits of dance troupes from India and other cultural events are also often held.
- Since 2002, Diwali has been recognized as the representative festival of the Indian community in New Zealand, and week-long celebrations are organized every year by the Asia-New Zealand Foundation in all the major cities of NZ under the aegis of the respective City Councils.
- The Auckland Diwali Festival in 2015 was inaugurated by PM John Key. The New Zealand Parliament also held a function on November 12, 2015 for celebrating Diwali, which was attended by Prime Minister John Key.
Frequently Asked Questions on India-New Zealand Relations
Q 1. How are the political relations between India and New Zealand?
membership of the Commonwealth, upholding of common law practices and pursuing shared aspirations of achieving economic development and prosperity through democratic governance systems have resulted in building ongoing ties.
Q 2. Is there an Indian community in New Zealand?
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