New Zealand High Commission to India & Nepal

🇮🇳🐟 Did you know India is the second largest fish producing country in the world?

We recently had a fruitful meeting with the Department of Fisheries India, exploring ways to strengthen New Zealand—India cooperation in the fisheries sector. 🌊

Building on the momentum in the New Zealand—India relationship, we are charting a course for deeper collaboration to ensure a thriving and sustainable future for our fisheries—-there’s an ocean of opportunities to dive into! 🐠🤝

Ambassador Rata’s visit to Kathmandu also included engagement with Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, Chief of Protocol, and officials from the Foreign Affairs and Education ministries. He also met with the leadership of the Himalayan Trust. On a visit to Nepal in 2025, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced a NZ$1.8 million partnership with the Trust to deliver quality education in the Solukhumbu District over 5 years.

On an accreditation visit to Kathmandu on Wednesday, 27 May, Ambassador Rata met with Nepal’s Hon Foreign Minister, Mr Shisir Khanal. The meeting focused on the historic and warm bilateral relationship, including the legacy of the first ascent of Mt Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.

Together with other members of the diplomatic corps, High Commissioner Rata had the opportunity this week to meet with Shri Nitin Nabin, National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party. President Nabin talked about the party’s ambitions and current areas of focus.

High Commissioner Patrick Rata called on India’s Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on 26 May. The discussions centred on exploring ways to bolster bilateral defence cooperation between India and New Zealand. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to deepening sustainable collaboration and strengthening engagement for regional security and stability.

🌿 Did you know Madhya Pradesh is known for having the largest tribal population in India?

Representatives from NZ's Ministry for Primary Industries visited Bhopal and Betul to explore collaboration opportunities with local tribal honey producers and forest-based communities.

The visit, facilitated by APEDA, was made memorable by the warm hospitality and support from TRIFED and the MFP-PARC team. From a grand welcome to detailed guidance, their efforts helped us gain a deeper understanding of the incredible on-ground work being done in Betul, focusing on tribal forest honey and other forest products.

Our delegation had the opportunity to witness the entire process – from honey collection and lab testing to processing and packaging – gaining valuable insights into the region’s sustainable practices and high-quality standards. 🌿🍯

Have you experienced the unique taste of honey from MP? Share your thoughts in the comments.