Overview
- Negotiators opened the November 3–7 round in Auckland, taking up trade in goods, services and rules of origin.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is traveling to meet New Zealand’s Todd McClay after saying the pact could be decided quickly.
- Both sides describe the talks as constructive and aimed at reaching convergence on outstanding issues for an early conclusion.
- Merchandise trade reached about $1.3 billion in FY25, roughly 49% higher year on year, adding commercial impetus to the pact.
- In parallel, an EU team is in New Delhi this week for intensified India–EU FTA discussions to resolve remaining issues.