India and New Zealand are interested in an inclusive security and economic architecture in the Asian region. On the recent trends in China’s foreign policy, both sides expressed that China needs to be engaged deeply in Asian regional architecture for Asian Peace and Stability. At the conclusion of the 3rd Round of IDSA Asia-New Zealand Foundation Track – 2 dialogue in New Delhi today, New Zealand said it envisages a positive role for India in the evolving security architecture in Asia. Both India and New Zealand are members of the EAST Asia Summit.

The two sides discussed Asian Security, South China Sea and Maritime Security issues and spoke about the impact of China’s rise on Asian regionalism. The New Zealand delegation was led by Dr
Richard Grant, Executive Director of Asia New Zealand Foundation and the IDSA delegation was led by Dr Arvind Gupta, Lal Bahadur Shastri Chair.

Our correspondent reports,New Zealand is engaged in deeper engagement with the Asian countries. It concluded an FTA with China in 2008 and is discussing a similar agreement with India. Almost 10 per cent of the New Zealand population consists of immigrants, of which three per cent is of the Indian origin.