Overview
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the two sides will finalise the free trade agreement very soon after talks were extended to address remaining sticky issues.
- Negotiators are holding the fourth round in New Zealand from November 3–7, and Trade Minister Todd McClay plans a follow-up visit to India next week with a business delegation.
- India reiterated it will not compromise on dairy, farmers or MSMEs, while both sides highlighted cooperation in agri‑technology and farming equipment as a path forward.
- The pact is framed as a balanced, long‑term partnership spanning services and mobility, with broader collaboration in defence, space and aviation; an MoU for a Delhi–Auckland route has been signed as airlines work toward direct flights.
- Official data put bilateral trade at about USD 1.75 billion in 2023–24, and separate India–US trade talks continue with progress reported despite several sensitive issues.