New Zealand backs India's permanent membership bid in UNSC, says PM Luxon at Raisina Dialogue

Speaking at the major event, Luxon, who is visiting India for an official trip at the invitation of Indian PM Narendra Modi, said: "Countries like India – that play such a central role in the global community – should have a seat at the table. We’ve therefore long supported India having a permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council."

The Raisina Dialogue was inaugurated on Monday. 

Indo-Pacific

He said the Indo-Pacific will represent two-thirds of global economic growth over the coming years.

"By 2030, it will be home to two-thirds of the world’s middle-class consumers," he said.

Luxon said India lies at the heart of the 'exciting economic future'.

AI

Luxon said AI will have a major impact on the region's economy.

He said: "It has felt like this technological transformation has been long-heralded, but never quite arrived. Well, it seems to me that a series of innovations – the always online world, big data, powerful computing, machine learning – are cumulating in ways that are going to tip over into a dislocation that is new and altogether different."

"The game is about to change.  We are on the cusp of an explosion in the application of AI, a technology that will have an impact across the whole economy, not just in one or two sectors. A technology that will transform the way we work, study and entertain ourselves.  A technology that will force governments to think in entirely different ways about how they deliver public services and secure their nations," he said.

Defence

The minister said national security demands are expanding in the Indo-Pacific region.

"But across the Indo-Pacific, we also see Governments dedicating increased attention and resource to military modernisation. Military build-ups reflect a need to prepare against uncertainty and insecurity.  Some military build-ups, however, are underway without the reassurance that transparency brings," he said.

Luxon said: "Governments need to protect their people and assets against foreign interference, cyberattacks, and terrorism."

He said partners like India have a significant role to play in the Indo-Pacific.

ASEAN

He appreciated ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) for promoting regional peace and economic development.

"ASEAN sits at the centre of the East Asia Summit, which for twenty years now has enabled political dialogue across the region, a forum that builds understanding, reduces the risk of miscalculation and contributes to strategic trust," he said.

QUAD

Luxon said QUAD has emerged as an important vehicle promoting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad is a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States.

He said he had no intention of becoming QUAD member.

"India’s contribution to that evolution has of course been vital.  While New Zealand has no pretensions to Quad membership, we stand ready to work with you to advance Quad initiatives," he said.

Raisina Dialogue

The Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the international community.

The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue will be held from March 17-19.

Indian PM Narendra Modi inaugurated it on Monday.

Luxon attended the event as the chief guest.