New Delhi: New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta, who is on her first visit to India in her present role, held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Tuesday during which the two sides discussed economic cooperation, defence engagements, and also their shared view for a rules-based Indo-Pacific.

The New Zealand Minister is on an official visit to India from Feb 7-10 at the invitation of EAM Jaishankar.

She is accompanied by a high-level official and business delegation and will visit Delhi and Mumbai.

EAM Jaishankar in tweets said: “A warm and wide ranging conversation with FM @NanaiaMahuta of New Zealand this evening.

Discussion covered our expanding ties that is being reflected in increased frequency of our contacts.

“Spoke about trade, education, migration and mobility, cultural diplomacy, climate and health, especially traditional medicines in the bilateral context.

“Shared views on the global situation from our vantage points, including on the Indo-Pacific. Appreciated her perspectives of the region.

Welcome New Zealand’s joining the @isolaralliance.”

During their bilateral talks held during the day, the two sides discussed the whole range of bilateral matters, including economic cooperation, educational exchanges, defence engagements and people-to-people contacts.

They exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and discussed India and New Zealand’s shared vision for a rules-based, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, an official statement said.

Foreign Minister Mahuta handed over to the External Affairs Minister signed copies of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement paving the way for New Zealand’s membership of this initiative.

Her visit closely follows the visit to New Zealand by External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar in October 2022.

India and New Zealand share close bilateral relations based on commonalities of democratic traditions and shared values bolstered by strong people-to-people ties.

The two countries are engaging in cooperation across a wide range of areas, including economic, political, defence, education, and science & technology, the statement said.