India and New Zealand on Monday inked an ambitious pact to institutionalise defence ties and vowed to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged concerns to his Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon over certain pro-Khalistani elements indulging in anti-India activities in the island nation.

Following talks between PM Modi and Luxon, the two sides signed six agreements to ramp up cooperation in several areas including education, sports, agriculture and climate change, and decided to prepare a roadmap for cooperation in the defence industry sector.

Both prime ministers welcomed the launch of negotiations for a “balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial” free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries to achieve deeper economic integration.

Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Jaideep Mazumdar indicated that the two countries will try to seal the FTA by the end of this year.

In his media statement, PM Modi said India and New Zealand support a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, adding “We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism”, remarks that came amid growing global concerns over China’s expansionist behaviour in the region.