India and New Zealand today reiterated the importance of closer cooperation for a rules-based international order and a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The third Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries were held virtually. Ms. Riva Ganguly Das, Secretary (East) led the Indian delegation while the New Zealand-side was led by Mr. Mark Sinclair, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The previous round of consultations took place in February 2019 in New Delhi.
Comprehensively reviewing bilateral cooperation, both sides discussed the steps to be taken to enhance the depth and momentum of engagement in different areas including defence, security, trade and investment. Both sides also agreed to jointly work on space, counterterrorism, cyber security, disarmament and climate change, and for strengthening people-to-people ties.
The response to COVID-19 pandemic, and access to vaccines and medicines for containing COVID globally were also discussed.
Both sides exchanged views on various regional issues. They also discussed ways to strengthen coordination in multilateral and regional fora.
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