Overview
- Officials began the fourth round of India–New Zealand FTA negotiations in Auckland on November 3–7, focusing on trade in goods, services and rules of origin.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is expected in Auckland this week to review progress with New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay.
- Separate India–EU talks are underway in New Delhi from November 3–7, with a senior Brussels team seeking to narrow gaps on core chapters and technical matters.
- Sticking points include New Zealand’s push for dairy access and, in the EU track, disputes over autos, steel and the EU’s carbon border measures.
- Bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand reached about USD 1.3 billion in 2024–25, nearly 49% higher year on year, as both sides signal intent to move toward an early FTA conclusion.