Defensive play between India, Kiwis has given way to aggressive batting: PM Modi

Thanking his New Zealand counterpart John Key for his constructive approach to the consideration of India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the ties between both sides have moved from fielding at long off to taking fresh guard at batting pitch.

"It is a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister John Key during the festive season. I am thankful to the Prime Minister for New Zealand's constructive approach to the consideration of India's membership of NSG. Prime Minister Key and I have had detailed and productive discussions on all aspects of our bilateral engagement and multilateral cooperation," Prime Minister Modi said in his joint statement.

He said they both recognized the need for greater eco engagement in order to effectively respond to the growing uncertainties in global economy.

"Prime Minister Key and I have had detailed and productive discussions on all aspects of our bilateral engagement and multilateral cooperation. Food processing, dairy and agriculture and related areas in their supply chain are some of the areas of particular potential for cooperation," he added.

Asserting that terrorism remains one of the major challenges affecting global peace and security, Prime Minister Modi said the nations believing in humanity need to coordinate actions.

"We have agreed to continue to work closely towards an early conclusion of a balanced and mutually beneficial CECA. Prime Minister John Key and I agreed to strengthen security and intelligence cooperation against terror and radicalization including in cyber security," he added.

Prime Minister Modi said India is thankful for New Zealand's support to New Delhi joining a reformed UN Security Council as a permanent member.

"We have moved from fielding at long off to taking fresh guard. Defensive play has become aggressive batting. Trade and investment ties have been one of the key areas of our conversation. Thank you Excellency, for your personal commitment to take our bilateral partnership forward and to strengthen the bonds of friendship," he added.

Prime Minister Modi said trade and Investment ties have been one of the key areas of our conversation.

"We both recognized the need for greater economic engagement in order to effectively respond to the growing uncertainties in global economy and, agreed that expanding business and commercial ties should continue to be one of the priority items of our partnership," said Prime Minister Modi.

"I am sure that the large business delegation accompanying Prime Minister Key will not only witness firsthand the investment opportunities on offer in India's growth story. Their interactions will also build new commercial partnerships between our two countries. I would like to mention food processing, dairy and agriculture, and related areas in their supply chain as some of the areas of particular potential for bilateral cooperation. New Zealand's strength and capacity in these sectors can combine with India's vast technology needs to build partnerships that can benefit both our societies," he added.

The Prime Minister further said that the two sides also agreed that actions by both governments should also promote greater business connectivity, including through movement of skilled professionals, between our two economies and societies.

"In this regard, we have agreed to continue to work closely towards an early conclusion of a balanced and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement," he added.