New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has described his vision for the future of his country, where global cooperation and opportunities for development are central. In a exclusive interview with Firstpost’s IdeasPod, he highlighted New Zealand’s potential to further engage with India and the benefits that could be derived from their cooperation.
“We live in a world of choices, and New Zealand is fortunate,” Luxon said, complimenting India for pulling 250 million out of poverty. He also spoke of the effects of the digital revolution and the new world order of changing power relations, emphasizing that countries need to have the ability to chart their own courses.
Luxon’s Personal Connection to India
Luxon has an old connection with India, as he spent a portion of his younger days there. “India is important for business, but the talent which has come from India is the deepest. I have enormous respect and admiration for India. India and New Zealand should be truly close friends,” he said.
The Prime Minister also revealed his personal intentions of traveling India for six months after retirement, reflecting his love for the nation. “India is a nation which I became acquainted with properly during my early years. India is important as far as business is concerned, but talent which has emerged out of India is the deepest. I have enormous respect and regard for India.”. India and New Zealand must be best buddies. I adore India. After retirement, I have spoken to my wife, [about] a 6-month tour of India,” he said.
Areas for Collaboration Between India and New Zealand
Luxon pointed out the major areas where the two countries could cooperate, such as artificial intelligence, space technology, and green energy. He pointed out that New Zealand’s progress in AI and its robust tech sector could go hand-in-hand with India’s expanding digital economy. “India and New Zealand can cooperate on space. New Zealand has an AI ecosystem and a good tech universe. We can also provide the shift to green energy using wind and solar,” he added.
Further, he highlighted the sports role in enhancing people-to-people relationships. “Sport has a massive advantage for youth,” he noted, highlighting its significance in diplomatic and cultural relations.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties
As part of his India visit, Luxon is having bilateral talks and attending the Raisina Dialogue, an annual conclave where world leaders assemble to address international issues. He is also to meet Mumbai officials, India’s financial hub, to discuss economic alliances.
Luxon emphasized the need to build stronger people-to-people connections between India and New Zealand. “We have got to work harder still to get the people-to-people relationship growing,” he urged, seeking more cooperation than diplomatic interactions.
New Zealand’s Role in the Indo-Pacific
In spite of its geographical remoteness, Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s engagement with international issues. “We might be a small nation, but we stand up very strongly for sovereignty. We’ve got a 15-year defence plan and we’re very active in the region,” he said, pointing to the country’s increasing role in regional security with Australia and other countries.
He also recognized New Zealand’s role as a bridge between Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America, and its significant role in the Indo-Pacific. “We might be small economic, but we have a great deal to contribute to the world,” he said, underlining the nation’s role in space, renewables, and artificial intelligence.
Geopolitical Challenges and China’s Growing Influence
With changing geopolitics globally, New Zealand is shaping its position in the face of changing power alignments. Chinese naval live exercises off New Zealand have also recently caused security fears for New Zealand and Australia, leading to sharp responses from both countries. In light of this, Luxon’s vision for a more powerful and world-engaged New Zealand is harmonious with India’s own quest for development and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
When questioned regarding the possibilities of New Zealand being a hub of global conversation and innovation, Luxon gave a resounding reply: “It would be brilliant to have a Raisina Dialogue in New Zealand. We have a lot to offer.”