EAM Jaishankar, New Zealand Foreign Minister Mahuta hold discussions on a stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific

In the wake of continuing international concerns about security and peace in the region, India and New Zealand held discussions on Tuesday on their shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

The discussions took place when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted visiting New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta for a bilateral meeting in New Delhi.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two ministers discussed the whole range of bilateral matters, including economic cooperation, educational exchanges, defence engagements and people-to-people contacts.

"They exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and discussed India and New Zealand’s shared vision for a rules-based, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific," the MEA said.

Foreign Minister Mahuta also handed over the signed International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement to India's External Affairs Minister, paving the way for New Zealand to join this effort.

EAM Jaishankar shared information about the discussions in a series of tweets.

"A warm and wide ranging conversation with FM @NanaiaMahuta of New Zealand this evening. Discussion covered our expanding ties that is being reflected in increased frequency of our contacts," he tweeted.

He said that they spoke about trade, education, migration and mobility, cultural diplomacy, climate and health, especially traditional medicines in the bilateral context.

"Shared views on the global situation from our vantage points, including on the Indo-Pacific. Appreciated her perspectives of the region. Welcome New Zealand’s joining the @isolaralliance," EAM Jaishankar added in another tweet.

The New Zealand Foreign Minister arrived in India on a four-day visit on Tuesday. She is accompanied by a business delegation and high-ranking officials. During her maiden trip to India as Foreign Minister, Mahuta will also visit Mumbai.

The official press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that Foreign Minister Mahuta's visit closely follows that of EAM Jaishankar to New Zealand in October 2022.

India and New Zealand have strong bilateral connections that are supported by strong people-to-people contacts and shared democratic traditions and principles. The two nations are cooperating in a variety of fields, including economics, politics, defense, education, and science and technology, the MEA added.