India And New Zealand Conclude First Round Of FTA Talks; Aim To Finalise Pact In 2025

India and New Zealand have reaffirmed their shared vision and mutual understanding to create a future-ready framework and finalise the free trade agreement (FTA) within this year.

In a major step to boost bilateral trade and investment, the first round of negotiations for the India–New Zealand FTA concluded successfully in New Delhi. The next round will take place in July 2025.

“As India steadily expands its global trade footprint through multiple agreements, this round shows our firm commitment to strengthen economic ties in line with national goals and global ambitions,” said the Commerce Ministry in a statement.

This round followed several virtual meetings between both sides that set the stage for in-person talks.

Negotiations covered all key areas of the FTA, including Trade in Goods and Services, Trade Facilitation, and sectors of mutual economic interest.

The talks underscore both countries’ strategic value in building a balanced, fair, and mutually beneficial trade agreement.

This progress follows the direction set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in March.

India and New Zealand launched the FTA on 16 March during a meeting between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay.

Total merchandise trade between the two countries reached $1.3 billion in FY 2024–25, up 48.6 per cent from the previous year.

This reflects the rising strength of the India–New Zealand Economic Partnership.

The FTA is expected to boost trade and investment, improve supply chain links, and create a stable and transformative trade environment for businesses on both sides.

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