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Context:

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited India to strengthen bilateral ties between New Zealand and India.

Key outcomes of the meeting

The leaders discussed a wide range of topics, including trade, defense, security, investment, and people-to-people ties.

They agreed to initiate negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to promote mutual trade and investment.

They addressed maritime security, counter-terrorism efforts, and ways to enhance cooperation in education, sports, and tourism.

Both leaders expressed concern over security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted commitment to maintain peace and stability in the region.

New Zealand reaffirmed its commitment to the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

About the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

It was launched by the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) in November 2019 during the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bangkok.

Objectives of the IPOI

• Promote a free and open Indo-Pacific while strengthening a rules-based regional order.
• Enhancing safety, stability, and sustainable development in the maritime domain.
• Promoting collaboration among nations
• Address shared challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.

How does the IPOI operate?

It operates as a non-treaty-based voluntary arrangement. It encourages countries to collaborate based on shared interests and common understanding.

Unlike traditional treaties, it actively avoids creating new institutions and instead leverages the East Asia Summit (EAS) mechanism, which includes ASEAN member states and their eight dialogue partners.

The IPOI operates under seven key pillars:

1. Maritime Security : Enhancing cooperation to combat piracy, terrorism, and illegal activities at sea.
2. Maritime Ecology : Protecting marine ecosystems and addressing climate change impacts.
3. Maritime Resources : Promoting sustainable use of fisheries, minerals, and energy resources.
4. Capacity Building and Resource Sharing : Strengthening capabilities through training, technology transfer, and joint research.
5. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management : Mitigating the impact of natural disasters in coastal regions.
6. Science, Technology, and Academic Cooperation : Encouraging innovation and collaboration in marine sciences.
7. Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport : Promoting economic growth by improving shipping routes and infrastructure.

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Source:

DDNEWS

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