New Delhi, July 11: The Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Rudrendra Tandon, emphasized the strategic partnership and maritime cooperation between India and New Zealand. He stated that India is a nation of the Indian Ocean and closely monitors activities in its surrounding maritime regions. Tandon highlighted the significance of the Pacific Ocean for India.
During a press conference held in the national capital, Tandon remarked, “India is an Indian Ocean nation. We remain vigilant about activities in the surrounding maritime areas. The Pacific Ocean is an extremely important maritime region for us, and we have always viewed New Zealand as a significant and like-minded power in this area.”
He noted that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has consistently worked to energize India-New Zealand relations, resulting in the two countries reaching a level of strategic partnership.
Tandon stated, “It is essential for us to have close strategic ties as countries in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean regions. This is the core idea and foundation of our partnership.”
He added that the relationship between the two nations is not only strategic but also economically significant. India represents a large and rapidly developing market with vast opportunities. Meanwhile, New Zealand is an advanced economy with modern technology and expertise. Tandon expressed India’s desire to strengthen partnerships with such advanced economies, highlighting the excellent potential for developing robust economic ties between the two countries.
He also mentioned that as maritime neighbors, it is crucial for India and New Zealand to collaborate in various sectors.
When asked about visa regulations and flexibility, Rudrendra Tandon stated that visa policy is a sovereign decision of any country. He said, “As long as our businesses are operating smoothly, our students have opportunities to study, and the exchange programs agreed upon by both countries are proceeding as planned, there is no cause for concern.”
Tandon indicated that cooperation between India and New Zealand is continuously strengthening, with both countries committed to advancing their relationships in strategic, economic, educational, and people-to-people contact areas.
Leave a Comment