Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits to Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia underline India’s growing focus on strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The tour aligned with India’s Act East Policy and its MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, signalling a broader regional strategy.
A key outcome was the announcement of an India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) alongside a strategic partnership, reflecting India’s approach of combining economic cooperation with defence and security collaboration.
India has also extended its Maritime Cooperation Arrangement and Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement to New Zealand, expanding defence cooperation beyond its traditional partners such as Australia, the United States and France.
The visit also highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening diplomatic ties, particularly through community engagement in Auckland.
The developments indicate that India is expanding its Indo-Pacific strategy into the South Pacific while deepening trade, maritime security and strategic partnerships with countries across the region.