Existing and emerging potential need practical thrust
Manoj Ladwa
Through India Trade Alliance, New Zealand
India and New Zealand share ties that go back centuries – as former British colonies and as important members of the Commonwealth.
But unfortunately, the relationship has not yet achieved the potential that exists for closer cooperation on a range of issues – including strategic, global terror and bilateral trade.
Cricket, Cricket, Cricket
New Zealand features prominently in the Indian consciousness – and in Indian news reports – mostly when the two countries meet on the cricket field.
I dare say that legendary all-rounder Sir Richard Hadlee is the most famous New Zealander in India.
But away from the arc lights, ties between the two countries have been growing steadily, albeit at a slower pace than many of us would like.
Students’ alternative
At a time when Indian students are finding it increasingly difficult to pursue higher studies in the UK and the US, New Zealand has been slowly emerging as an alternative to these traditional powerhouses of education.
At the end of 2016, about 29,000 Indian students were studying in New Zealand, making India the second-largest source of foreign students to the country.
I am hopeful that these students will emerge as great brand ambassadors for the relationship in the years to come.
Modest bilateral trade
But these are early days. Bilateral services trade between the two countries has more than doubled to $1.36 billion, taking the total trade between India and New Zealand to $2.6 billion. These are admittedly very modest figures, but the good news is that both governments are taking steps to build on this modest base and scale up economic ties closer to their full potential.
But with about 52,000 Indian tourists visiting New Zealand last year (and the numbers are rightly growing), the path for much greater empathy between the two nations is warming.
The joint statement issued by the two countries last year following the visit of the then New Zealand Prime Minister Sir John Key in October 2016 to India acknowledged that India and New Zealand, being maritime nations, have a common interest in ensuring the safety and security of sea lanes and freedom of navigation and in ensuring the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
Given this convergence of strategic interests, the two countries have agreed to strengthen and deepen bilateral political, defence and security relations.
Joint initiatives
The joint statement gives me hope.
It said that the two countries will (1) Establish a bilateral ministerial dialogue through annual meetings, either in India, New Zealand or on the margins of regional or global gatherings (2) Hold annual Foreign Ministry consultations at the senior officials’ level (3)
Promote cooperation and dialogue between the two countries on cyber issues (4) Explore prospects for information sharing in support of our mutual interests in maritime security (5) Continue negotiations for a customs cooperation arrangement to facilitate information sharing and to provide a framework for the exchange of new customs procedures and techniques (6) Undertake defence education exchanges, by placing Indian and New Zealand defence personnel on each other’s defence courses and staff colleges
Other possibilities
There are, of course, several other areas where the two countries are cooperating – most notably in supporting of India’s quest for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, though some further dialogue is needed in acknowledging the importance of New Delhi joining the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group.
The two countries have also been negotiating a Free Trade Agreement, but the issue is stuck in a limbo over high agricultural subsidies.
Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian President to visit New Zealand in 2016.
And the government of India has notified the third protocol between India and New Zealand for avoidance of double taxation.
That is quite a long to-do list!
Great potential
But I passionately believe in fostering greater cooperation, especially between Commonwealth nations, for greater bilateral benefit and the greatest common good for the entire community of nations.
This goal will take encouragement from the groundwork done for fostering closer and deeper ties between India and New Zealand.
And given the thrust that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is giving to his government’s ‘Act East Policy,’ the future of this relationship looks bright.
I would like to congratulate India Trade Alliance for publishing this insightful report and the excellent work you do in strengthening the bond of friendship between two great democracies.
I also very much look forward to welcoming a strong New Zealand contingent to the ‘Go Global Expo & Conference’ in Mumbai in May 2018.
Manoj Ladwa is also Founder and Chief Executive of MSL Chase Group based in London. The above article, which appeared in the ‘New Zealand-India Economic Update December 2017’ of the Auckland based India Trade Alliance’ has been reproduced here with the permission of the latter.
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