Overview
- The fourth round of India–New Zealand FTA negotiations is under way in Auckland from November 3–7, with both sides calling the talks “great progress” and declining to set a deadline.
- Piyush Goyal said India will not compromise on dairy, farmers and MSMEs, adding that cooperation could expand in areas such as defence, space, education and tourism.
- New Zealand’s Todd McClay said agricultural technology sharing is a big part of the talks, aligning with Wellington’s priority to help lift Indian farm incomes and deepen a decades-long partnership.
- Air India and Air New Zealand are working toward launching direct flights by 2028 to strengthen people-to-people links and business connectivity.
- Separately, Goyal said India–US bilateral trade talks are going “very well” though many sensitive issues remain, with five rounds completed and 50% US tariffs forming a key backdrop to the negotiations.