India and New Zealand Move Closer to Free Trade Agreement After Second Round of Talks

By Global Consultants Review Team Monday, 28 July 2025

India and New Zealand completed the second round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks in New Delhi on July 25, marking another important step toward boosting trade between the two countries. The negotiations, held from July 14 to 25, focused on key areas such as trade in goods and services, investment, rules of origin, customs procedures, technical barriers to trade, and broader economic cooperation.

According to an official statement, both countries have shown a strong commitment to finalizing a balanced and forward-looking agreement. Officials from both sides expressed interest in reaching an early agreement on many parts of the deal.

The FTA talks are part of a larger plan set by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during their meeting in March 2025. The talks were officially launched on March 16 after discussions between Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay.

Bilateral trade between the two countries has seen significant growth. In 2024–25, trade in goods between India and New Zealand reached USD 1.3 billion, showing a strong 48.6 percent rise compared to the previous year. This growth reflects a positive momentum in the economic relationship.

The third round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in New Zealand in September. In the meantime, both countries plan to hold virtual sessions to continue making progress. The potential FTA is expected to increase trade flows, attract more investment, and make supply chains between the two nations stronger and more resilient. It will also support a better business environment and bring more opportunities for companies and workers in both countries.

“This development catalyses the common agenda to strengthen economic ties,” the official note said, highlighting the importance of the agreement in building a stronger partnership between India and New Zealand.

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