India and New Zealand have officially announced the launch of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant step forward in their bilateral economic relationship. The development was confirmed on Sunday, during the visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India, ahead of his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The announcement reflects the deepening economic cooperation between the two nations, which share longstanding ties based on democratic values, strong people-to-people connections, and complementary economic interests. Both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties, underlining the importance of a comprehensive partnership in today’s evolving global economic landscape.
The formal launch of the FTA negotiations followed a key meeting between India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay. The discussions set the groundwork for a balanced, mutually beneficial agreement aimed at enhancing market access, promoting greater integration of supply chains, and fostering economic resilience.
The proposed FTA is expected to unlock new opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, services, technology, and manufacturing, while also contributing to regional and global economic stability. Both nations emphasized their shared vision of building a future-ready, robust partnership that benefits businesses, consumers, and communities on both sides.
