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India and New Zealand Resume Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

Talks aim to deepen economic ties and address longstanding trade barriers as bilateral trade surpasses $1 billion this fiscal year.

Visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, center right, speaks to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi before their meeting in New Delhi, India, Monday, March, 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, greets visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon before their meeting in New Delhi, India, Monday, March 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon before their meeting in New Delhi, India, Monday, March 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, right, talks to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi before their meeting in New Delhi, India, Monday, March 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Overview

  • India and New Zealand have restarted negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after talks stalled in 2015 due to disagreements over market access and tariffs.
  • The FTA discussions were formally announced during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's first official visit to India, alongside meetings with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
  • The negotiations aim to enhance supply chain integration, improve market access, and foster mutual economic growth between the two nations.
  • Key trade issues include New Zealand's push for greater dairy access and India's focus on better terms for its IT and skilled workforce sectors.
  • Bilateral trade between the two nations has grown steadily, reaching $959 million by December 2024, with India maintaining a slight trade surplus.