India-New Zealand – Modi and Luxon Reinforce Security Partnership Against Terror Threats
India-New Zealand – India and New Zealand have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across a range of security issues, with a strong emphasis on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and tackling emerging global threats. During high-level discussions on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon agreed to strengthen collaboration through bilateral engagement as well as regional and international platforms aimed at promoting peace, stability, and resilience.
Leaders Renew Commitment Against Terrorism
According to a joint statement released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, both Prime Ministers strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism. They expressed concern over recent terror incidents, including the attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, and the attack near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, 2025. The two leaders stressed that those responsible for such acts must be identified and brought to justice without delay.
The statement highlighted a shared commitment to adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism. India and New Zealand also agreed that stronger international efforts are needed to eliminate terror financing networks, dismantle terrorist infrastructure, including online platforms used for extremist activities, and deny safe havens to those involved in terrorism.
Joint Working Group to Boost Counter-Terror Cooperation
As part of the expanded partnership, both countries welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Arrangement for the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. The new mechanism is expected to facilitate regular exchanges of information, strengthen institutional cooperation, and promote the sharing of expertise between relevant agencies.
Officials believe the working group will create a structured platform for coordinated responses to evolving security challenges while improving communication between both governments on issues linked to terrorism and violent extremism.
Wider Law Enforcement Collaboration Planned
Beyond counter-terrorism, India and New Zealand agreed to enhance cooperation in law enforcement to address organised and transnational crime. The two sides identified several areas requiring closer coordination, including illicit drug trafficking, cyber-enabled crime, financial offences, human trafficking, people smuggling, and crimes linked to terrorism.
The joint statement also noted that both governments will work towards finalising formal agreements covering counter-narcotics cooperation and broader law enforcement partnerships. These arrangements are expected to strengthen coordination between the respective enforcement agencies and improve their ability to tackle cross-border criminal activities.
Shared Vision for a Stable Indo-Pacific
During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Luxon also exchanged views on developments in the Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders reiterated their support for a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific where sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law are respected.
They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight, along with other lawful uses of the seas, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The leaders also underlined that disputes should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and established international legal mechanisms.
Regional Cooperation Remains a Priority
The two Prime Ministers recognised the importance of strengthening cooperation through ASEAN-led institutions and other regional forums. They reaffirmed support for ASEAN’s central role in regional architecture and backed continued engagement through platforms such as the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus.
According to the joint statement, both countries view these forums as important channels for promoting regional security, economic stability, and constructive dialogue among partner nations. Their discussions reflected a broader commitment to working together with like-minded countries to address shared regional and global challenges while reinforcing a rules-based international order.