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Informist, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025

 

NEW DELHI – Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal Monday held a meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Trade Todd McClay Monday to advance discussions on the proposed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. The engagement marked an important step in the ongoing negotiations, with both ministers focusing on convergence across key disciplines relating to trade in goods and services, an official release said. 

 

"Both sides acknowledged that the recent round resulted in substantive progress, with closure achieved on several elements and a clear shared understanding emerging on pathways to an early and mutually satisfactory conclusion of the agreement," the release said. "They (the ministers) emphasised that a comprehensive and well-balanced FTA would not only accelerate trade flows but also deepen investment linkages, strengthen supply-chain resilience, and provide a transparent, stable, and predictable framework for businesses in both countries," it added. 

 

The fourth round of negotiations between India and New Zealand had concluded in Auckland and Rotorua on Nov. 8. Over five days, the two sides held engagements across key topics, including trade in goods, trade in services, economic and trade cooperation, and rules of origin.

 

New Zealand and India restarted talks on a free trade agreement in March, a decade after the first round of negotiations fell through. The two countries began working on the agreement in April 2010, but the talks stalled in February 2015 due to disagreements over market access and trade priorities. 

 

India and New Zealand had bilateral merchandise trade of $1.3 billion in 2024–25 (Apr-Mar), up 49% on year. The proposed trade agreement is expected to unlock further potential in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, education, and services, the ministry said. 

 

According to the commerce ministry, the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to an ambitious, forward-looking partnership. "They agreed to sustain the constructive momentum and to intensify efforts in the coming weeks to facilitate an early, balanced, and mutually beneficial conclusion of the agreement," the release said.   End

 

US$1 = INR 88.63

 

Reported by Priyasmita Dutta

Edited by Saji George Titus

 

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