New Zealand Deputy PM Winston Peters concludes India visit, condemns Pahalgam attack, and meets Indian leaders to strengthen bilateral ties. Discussions focused on trade, security, health, and Indo-Pacific cooperation, highlighting shared democratic values and growing India–New Zealand relations.
New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters concluded his two-day official visit to India on Friday, reaffirming his country’s full solidarity with India following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Peters strongly condemned the attack and reiterated New Zealand’s unwavering support for the Indian people during this difficult time.
The visit, which reflects growing warmth and cooperation in India–New Zealand relations, included a series of high-level engagements. On Friday, Peters met Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President J.P. Nadda. The two leaders discussed shared democratic values and explored avenues for deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of healthcare.
“Met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Winston Peters, in New Delhi as part of our ‘Know BJP’ initiative,” Nadda wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “During our engaging discussion, we explored ways to enhance party-to-party ties. I shared insights into our party’s ideology, organisational structure, and contributions to India’s progress. Looking forward to deepening our partnership for mutual benefit.”
This marks Winston Peters’ third official visit to India, having previously traveled in February 2020 and March 2024 in the same capacities. His latest trip comes as a follow-up to the March 2025 visit by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, underlining the sustained momentum in bilateral ties.
A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the increasing cooperation across sectors, including trade, education, security, and people-to-people exchanges. “India and New Zealand share warm and friendly ties, underpinned by shared democratic values,” the statement said. “The visit reflects the growing momentum in bilateral relations, marked by regular high-level exchanges and a commitment to deepening our multifaceted partnership.”
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Peters also held wide-ranging discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday. The two leaders reviewed progress in key areas such as trade, defence, traditional medicine, sports, and the Indo-Pacific region. They also addressed regional and global developments, reaffirming a shared vision of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
“Thank New Zealand for its support and solidarity on the Pahalgam terrorist attack,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X. “Agreed that in a more volatile and uncertain world, it’s important that India and New Zealand collaborate closely for a rules-based, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”
The visit underscores a shared commitment to expanding strategic cooperation and reflects the rising importance of the Indo-Pacific partnership between the two democracies.
