India - New Zealand Advance Talks on Proposed Free Trade Agreement

On 17th November 2025, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met New Zealand’s Minister for Trade Todd McClay in Mumbai to advance negotiations on the proposed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Key Points

Progress in FTA Negotiations: Both sides noted that the recent negotiating round achieved substantive progress, with several components concluded and a shared understanding emerging on steps required for an early closure of the agreement.
Strong Bilateral Trade Growth: Bilateral merchandise trade reached USD 1.3 billion in FY 2024–25, marking nearly 49% growth. The Ministers said a balanced FTA would further expand trade flows and deepen economic relations.
Benefits of a Comprehensive FTA: A successful agreement is expected to enhance investment partnerships, strengthen supply-chain resilience, and create a transparent, predictable framework for businesses in both countries.
Opportunities across Multiple Sectors: The Ministers highlighted potential growth areas such as services, innovation, and technology-driven collaboration, which could gain significantly from an FTA.