The Indian Weekender, 27 October 2023

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“We are fortunate enough to witness the construction of
Ram Temple, and on the next Ramnavami in Ayodhya,
every note echoing in Ramlala’s temple will bring joy to
the world.” – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Editorial
NZ-India engagement
needs holistic approach
In today’s ever-evolving global landscape of diplomacy and trade, the need to nurture
strong relationships between nations is more critical than ever.
New Zealand’s engagement with India is no exception, as it holds the key to unlocking
vast opportunities for economic resilience and addressing strategic geopolitical imperatives.
While the focus has traditionally been on trade, a broader, more holistic approach is essential
to foster a deep and mutually beneficial alliance.
During the recent election campaign, both the Labour and National leaders in NZ
expressed their eagerness to increase trade with India, reflecting bipartisan support for
this endeavour.
However, focusing solely on trade has proven ineffective in the past and will not yield
favourable results in the future.
Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon received a congratulatory message from
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a promising start to this engagement.
This friendly gesture provides a tailwind for Luxon, who should prioritise building a
personal relationship with PM Modi, akin to the diplomatic charisma exhibited by Modi
on the global stage.
To harness the potential of India’s billion-plus population and emerging middle class,
NZ must take multifaceted steps to cultivate a mutually beneficial alliance. India’s
ancient civilisation is deeply rooted in pluralism, emphasising personal relationships
and chemistry as the foundation for trust and, ultimately, trade.
India has embraced a more open and outward-looking approach, evident in its active
participation in global forums and its commitment to equitable global development.
This approach is exemplified in the motto of the recent G20 summit: Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam (“One Earth, One Family, and One Future”).
It was through India’s efforts that the African Union has been included into the G20
fold. India’s influence on the global stage has grown significantly under Prime Minister
Modi’s leadership, owing to his charismatic interactions and personal chemistry with
world leaders.
Taking inspiration from PM Modi’s playbook, Luxon must prioritise nurturing his
personal relationship with Modi as a first step. NZ must adopt a strategic geopolitical
alignment with India at a global level, emphasising shared values such as democracy,
human rights, and the rule of law. Leveraging the nearly 300,000-strong Indian diaspora
in NZ further strengthens this rapport.
Respecting India’s sovereignty and decisions is pivotal for building trust and a holistic
relationship. While NZ can express its opinions on various issues, it should do so with
mutual respect and dignity.
The Pacific region is a key area for diplomatic convergence, where both nations share
interests in promoting peace, stability, sustainable development, climate change action,
multilateralism, and a rules-based order. By engaging in high-level dialogues and
collaborative projects in the Pacific, NZ and India can enhance regional safety, security,
and stability.
Both countries can support each other in their diplomatic objectives, capitalising
on India’s growing influence in multilateral forums like the UN, G20, and the Quad. To
diversify trade offerings, NZ should move beyond its traditional focus on dairy products
and explore opportunities in agritech, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education services,
and sustainable solutions.
Collaborations between NZ’s tech sector and India’s booming IT industry, especially
in light of India’s ‘Digital India’ initiative, can be mutually beneficial. NZ companies can
also consider investing in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which a couple of NZ
companies have successfully signed up to.
The tourism sector holds reciprocal potential, with possibilities for formal agreements
to boost tourism and establish direct flights between the two countries.
The rise of e-commerce in India presents opportunities for NZ businesses to promote
their products in the Indian market.
Additionally, cultural exchanges, infrastructure development, marine and boat
building, wine and food products, aviation, and creative industries like animation and
film production offer untapped potential for economic growth.
The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) framework lays a strong
foundation for reducing trade barriers, simplifying customs procedures, addressing
regulatory challenges, and fostering closer economic cooperation. In summary, NZ and
India have the potential to expand trade in various sectors by aligning their strategic
shared interests.
To truly strengthen the NZ-India relationship, a multifaceted, proactive, and long-term
approach is needed.
Recognising India’s aspirations and goals and striking a balance between economic
interests and a geostrategic alliance can ensure a trustworthy, transformative
partnership.
By adopting this approach, NZ can contribute to a prosperous and secure future for
both nations and the world at large.
IN FOCUS : Picture of the week
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets President Sadyr Zhaparov of
Kyrgyz Republic, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on October 26,2023. (ANI)
This week in New Zealand’s history
October 28, 1890
First Labour Day celebrations
The first Labour Day celebrated the struggle for an eight-hour working day. Parades in the
main centres were attended by several thousand trade union members and supporters.
October 29, 1919
Women can stand for Parliament
The passing of the Women’s Parliamentary Rights Act enabled women to stand for election
to the House of Representatives, 26 years after they won the right to vote.
October 30, 1865
Native Land Court created
The Native Land Court was one of the key products of the Native Lands Act 1865. It enabled
the conversion of traditional communal landholdings into individual titles, making it
much easier for Pākehā to purchase Māori land.
October 30, 1918
Massive prohibition petition presented to Parliament
Prohibition supporters presented Parliament with a petition containing more than 240,000
signatures demanding an end to the manufacture and sale of alcohol in New Zealand.
October 31, 2015
All Blacks win third Rugby World Cup
The All Blacks defeated Australia 34-17 at London’s Twickenham stadium to become the
first team to win back-to-back Rugby World Cup competitions, and the first to win the
title three times.
November 1, 1898
Old-age Pensions Act becomes law
A
world first, the act gave a small means-tested pension to elderly men and women with
few assets who were ‘of good moral character’ and were leading a ‘sober and reputable
life’. It was one of the major achievements of Richard Seddon’s Liberal government.
Indian Weekender : Volume 15 Issue 31
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