India and New Zealand begin FTA negotiations during PM Luxon’s visit
India and New Zealand have announced the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon arrived in Delhi for his first official visit to the country.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, this significant step was marked by a meeting between India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, and New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister, Todd McClay. The meeting laid the foundation for a stronger economic partnership between the two countries.
The ministry stated that both nations “share a longstanding partnership founded on shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and economic complementarities.”
The India-New Zealand FTA negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access. This milestone reflects a shared vision for a stronger economic partnership, fostering resilience and prosperity.
Luxon, who will be in India until March 20, is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, business leaders, media representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.
During his visit, Luxon will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 17, focusing on various aspects of India-New Zealand relations. PM Modi will also host a lunch in his honour, and Luxon will meet President Droupadi Murmu on the same day.
Luxon is also set to attend the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 on March 17 as the chief guest, where he will deliver the keynote address.
On March 19-20, Luxon will visit Mumbai to engage with Indian business leaders and representatives from various sectors before departing for Wellington on March 20.
In 2023-24, New Zealand exported $0.84 billion worth of goods and services to India and imported $0.91 billion, with the total trade value reaching $1.75 billion.
