India and New Zealand have commenced the fourth round of negotiations for their proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with discussions taking place in Auckland from November 3 to 7. These talks represent a significant stride in deepening economic ties between the two nations and advancing a comprehensive, mutually beneficial trade framework.
This latest round focuses on critical elements including Trade in Goods, Trade in Services and Rules of Origin. Officials from both sides are working to resolve outstanding issues carried over from earlier rounds and push toward an early conclusion of the agreement. The negotiations follow the formal launch of the FTA process on March 16, 2025, when India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to enhanced economic cooperation.
Momentum for the talks received a fresh boost following New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to India in March 2025, during which both nations emphasised their shared intent to strengthen trade and investment links. As the negotiations progress in Auckland, there is an air of optimism on both sides: participants underscored the aim to build a forward-looking, inclusive trade framework that supports sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Once finalised, the FTA is expected to deliver improved market access, accelerate trade and investment flows and unlock new opportunities across key sectors such as technology, agriculture and services. Both India and New Zealand believe that a balanced agreement will not only bolster bilateral ties but also lay the foundation for a resilient partnership amid a shifting global trade environment.
The current round of talks thus marks a pivotal moment in the journey toward a deeper and more dynamic economic partnership between India and New Zealand.
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