New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, currently embarked on an official visit to India, has underscored the paramount importance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. His visit, spanning from March 10 to 13, has been marked by significant interactions and engagements aimed at strengthening ties and fostering collaboration across various domains. Peters, a seasoned diplomat, and politician, took the opportunity to reflect on the progress made during his ongoing tour, shedding light on the significance of his prior visit to Gujarat and his present meetings with key ministers in the bustling capital, Delhi.
Commencing his journey in India, Peters arrived in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Sunday night, setting the stage for a series of discussions and engagements. Reflecting on the importance of his ongoing visit, Winston Peters shared insights into the positive developments, stating, “Well, it’s been very important, very interesting. We think we’re making a lot of progress. We went to Gujarat first, and now we’re in Delhi, talking to key ministers like the Minister for Foreign Affairs here, somebody I’ve known for some time. So yeah, it’s very important. India is very important to us. The meetings are very important to us too.”
Delving into the specifics of his visit, Peters highlighted his meetings in Delhi, where he engaged with key ministers, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs. These discussions are crucial in fostering understanding, collaboration, and strategic partnerships between the two nations. India holds a special place in New Zealand’s diplomatic priorities, and such high-level interactions play a pivotal role in shaping the contours of bilateral relations.
Taking a brief respite from official engagements, Deputy PM Peters attended the Women’s Premier League match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Expressing his enthusiasm for women’s cricket in India, he remarked, “It’s tremendous to see how popular women’s cricket is. This is new, but it’s happening fast. And I’m here to watch a New Zealander, Divine, score a century today. But of course, you don’t have to score a century because you’re not chasing that many.”
On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Deputy PM Winston Peters, expressing anticipation for ‘productive talks.’ The strategic nature of these discussions, facilitated by high-ranking officials, reflects the commitment of both nations to advancing their partnership and addressing shared challenges.
The MEA highlighted that this visit marks Deputy PM Peters’ first trip to India since the new government in New Zealand assumed office in November 2023.
The roots of bilateral relations between India and New Zealand trace back to 1952. Over the years, the two nations have developed warm and friendly relations, grounded in democratic traditions and shared values. The people-to-people ties have further bolstered this relationship, creating a solid foundation for collaboration across various sectors.
According to the MEA release, India and New Zealand are actively engaging in cooperation across a wide range of areas. These include trade and economy, where mutual interests converge, fostering economic growth and development. The defence and security partnership between the two nations contributes to regional stability and addresses shared concerns. Cooperation in education and research enhances knowledge exchange, while joint efforts in environmental and climate change initiatives underscore their commitment to global challenges.
New Zealand’s policy framework has consistently identified India as a priority country in its “Opening Doors to India” policy, first notified in October 2011 and reiterated in 2015. This policy underscores New Zealand’s recognition of India’s growing importance in the global landscape and its commitment to building a robust and enduring partnership.
New Zealand’s policy framework has consistently identified India as a priority country in its “Opening Doors to India” policy, first notified in October 2011 and reiterated in 2015. This policy underscores New Zealand’s recognition of India’s growing importance in the global landscape and its commitment to building a robust and enduring partnership.
Winston Peters’ official visit to India is not just a diplomatic mission but a manifestation of the deep and multifaceted ties between the two nations.
His engagements in Gujarat and Delhi, along with his presence at the Women’s Premier League match, highlight the diverse avenues through which diplomacy can thrive.
As India and New Zealand navigate the complex challenges of the modern world, their commitment to shared values, democratic principles, and collaborative efforts remains a cornerstone of their enduring partnership. –TIN Bureau