Building relations with India needs time, patience and solid commitment

A review of the 13^th Annual Indian Newslink Lecture held on August 19, 2024

At the back of a successful visit to New Zealand by Indian President Draupadi Murmu, this year’s Indian Newslink Lecture series lived up to its hype with insights provided by the esteemed lineup of speakers. 

Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay was the Guest Speaker (The Significance of Free Trade Agreements The Significance of Trade Agreements in a Global, Open Market Economy), followed by an Overview by Indian High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan (India’s rising status as the world’s preferred destination for trade and investment). Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins was the Master of Ceremonies.

The Lecture, 13^th in an annual series, was held at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland City.

Among the other Guests of Honour were Paul Goldsmith (Minister of Justice and State-Owned Enterprises), Mark Mitchell (Minister of Police, Corrections and Emergency Management) National and Labour Party MPs and Chief Executives of multinational and national companies.

Evolving Relationship

The trade relationship between the two countries has been a slow and evolving partnership, reflective of the growing economic ties between two geographically distant yet strategically important nations.

However, over recent months, the new government has made concerted efforts to deepen its economic engagement, seeking to harness mutual benefits through trade and investment.

As such, a big emphasis was placed on the fact that Mr McClay has had five meetings with his Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal, since assuming office late last year.

Without giving too much away, Mr McClay focused on areas of opportunities which may or may not come in the form of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), although he reiterated the importance of getting many deals in place to enable greater trade between the two countries.  He appeared resolute in his quest for progress in this area, which is evident from his multiple trips to the subcontinent.

Modi’s Vision for India

Ms Bhushan outlined the significant achievements in India over the last decade, and the projections and aspirations laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his vision for India 2047, a hundred years from Independence.

Also shying away from directly referring an elusive FTA, she touched on all aspects of growth from Infrastructure and Manufacturing to Goods and Services.

She also conveyed the interests of 300 million middle-class Indians, who are into New Zealand organic fruits and adventure sports.

‘Reflections’ were presented by Duco Consultancy Chief Executive Chandan Ohri, channelling his attention to growth sectors and areas of opportunities, across several sectors.

National Member of Parliament Rima Nakhle provided the concluding remarks that were very well articulated, and she was simply delightful to listen to.

Mr Hipkins appeared a natural fit in this role, speaking entirely ex tempore as the Master of Ceremonies. Fit enough to run up to the stage at least a dozen times, the former Prime Minister anchored the evening exceptionally well.  He complimented Ms Nakhle on a job well done and was quick in reassuring National Party Parliamentarians that he intended to keep his day job.

Lecture Curtain Raiser

Former Corrections, Courts and Land Information Minister Matt Robson highlighted moments of historical significance of many defining events in relation to international trade in New Zealand.  He raised a pertinent point that until the early 1970s, the government paid no attention to Asia, and it was just seen as “a place you flew over to get to Europe”.

He underscored the importance of what doing business with Asia, and especially India, means for the country.  He expressed his disappointment with the country’s mainstream media for giving more attention to topics like the Harry-Meghan gossip, as opposed to trade-related articles that could benefit the nation.

He singled out Indian Newslink for bridging this gap.

Labour MP and former Ethnic Communities Minister Jenny Selesa touched on the aspects of the diaspora in New Zealand and the role they play here in her Welcome Address. She emphasised all political parties at the Beehive are aligned for deeper trade dialogue with India, underpinned by a bipartisan commitment to ensure this succeeds.

Ravi Nyayapati is an IT Professional and a Columnist for Indian Newslink. He lives in Auckland and writes on Current Affairs, Business, Community and Sports.