India and New Zealand have signed a new Education Cooperation Initiative which will promote partnership in higher education, research and vocational courses. The Initiative will focus on areas such as academic and student exchanges, joint research activities and industry collaborations. The Initiative also includes sports scholarships and provides opportunities to share expertise and experience in tribal and indigenous higher education. A Joint Education Council will be established to implement the Initiative.

Funded jointly by the two countries the Initiative will be worth 1 million NZ Dollars annually. Two agreements were signed during the visit of Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr John Key to India from 26-30 June. During their meeting New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Mr. John Key and his Indian counterpart, Dr. Manmohan Singh agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. Prime Minister Key announced that New Zealand will appoint a Defence Adviser to India to better facilitate defence linkages. Both sides noted the need for ensuring the safety and security of sea lanes and agreed that regional and global cooperation should continue to ensure maritime security. The two leaders agreed that ship visits and staff college exchanges had deepened bilateral defence cooperation to the benefit of both sides. A Science and Innovation Protocol for Cooperation, which will provide a framework for future scientific exchanges and research collaboration, was also signed. The first joint science initiative, the Science Research Workshop on Food Technologies and Dairy, was held recently in New Zealand at the Riddet Institute, Massey University and Lincoln University. Building on existing film industry links, an Agreement on Audio-Visual Co-Productions was also signed between the two countries. This Agreement will allow both sides to encourage industry level cooperation, share creative talent, and support the vibrant film industry in both countries.

The two leaders also acknowledged the good cooperation developing in the civil aviation sector. Both sides are exploring cooperation in the aviation field.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the increased trade and investment flows between India and New Zealand and noted the potential to expand bilateral trade significantly. They reiterated the commitment to early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Successful conclusion of a comprehensive FTA would provide the platform for stronger economic interaction between the two economies.

Prime Minister Key announced the support of New Zealand for India's membership in a reformed Security Council, including in any expansion of permanent membership.

India and New Zealand cooperate in regional bodies such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus and the Asia Europe Meeting.

To encourage a deeper understanding New Zealand has created the Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship in memory of one of New Zealand’s most inspiring citizens. Prime Minister Key announced that the fellowship recipient for 2011 would be a prominent Indian business person.