India–New Zealand FTA Talks Advance in Queenstown

22 Sep 2025 CW Team

The third round of negotiations for the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded successfully on 19 September 2025 in Queenstown, New Zealand. The discussions reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to enhance economic ties and work towards the early conclusion of a balanced, mutually beneficial agreement.

Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Right Hon. Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, the talks reflected a shared resolve to deepen bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The FTA was formally launched on 16 March 2025, during a meeting between Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Mr Todd McClay.

Held from 15–19 September 2025, the third round saw constructive discussions across all chapters of the agreement. Several chapters were concluded, and significant progress was made in other key areas.

India’s bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand reached USD 1.3 billion in FY 2024–25, marking a 49 per cent growth over the previous year. The proposed FTA is expected to further boost trade flows, promote investment linkages, enhance supply chain resilience, and provide a predictable framework for businesses in both countries.

Both sides agreed to maintain momentum through inter-sessional engagements, with the next round of in-person negotiations scheduled in New Delhi on 13–14 October 2025.

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