India, New Zealand Conclude Fourth Round of FTA Negotiations
New Delhi: India and New Zealand have successfully completed the fourth round of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Auckland and Rotorua, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
The five-day discussions were described as constructive and forward-looking, with both sides agreeing to maintain momentum through inter-sessional work and continue detailed deliberations across all chapters. The two countries expressed a shared determination to move toward early convergence on the India–New Zealand FTA.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade Todd McClay acknowledged the steady progress achieved during this round and reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing a modern, comprehensive, and future-ready trade pact.
Delegations from both nations held extensive talks across key areas including trade in goods and services, economic cooperation, and rules of origin. The discussions reflected a mutual ambition to deepen economic engagement and build a partnership that supports resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth.
“Guided by the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India remains focused on strengthening global economic partnerships that promote prosperity and secure supply chains,” the ministry noted. It added that the proposed FTA is expected to enhance trade flows, boost investments, improve supply-chain resilience, and ensure greater market access for businesses in both countries.
India’s bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand reached $1.3 billion in FY 2024–25, a 49 per cent year-on-year increase.
The agreement, once finalized, is expected to unlock new opportunities in agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, education, and services, benefiting businesses and consumers alike.
According to the ministry, both nations have demonstrated a clear resolve to accelerate negotiations and work toward an early, balanced, and mutually beneficial conclusion of the FTA.
