India-New Zealand FTA Talks Off to Strong Start: First Round of Negotiations Concludes Successfully in New Delhi

The first round of India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations was completed successfully in New Delhi on May 9, 2025, as a major milestone in taking bilateral economic relations deeper. The discussions took place between May 5–9 and followed after a series of videoconferences and preceded upon the promises made during the visit by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India in March 2025.

 

The main negotiation areas were trade in goods and services, trade facilitation, and mutually beneficial economic cooperation. The two nations emphasized the establishment of an equitable, balanced, and future-oriented trade agreement that will improve bilateral trade, improve supply chain linkage, and foster a stable business environment.

 

With merchandise trade already standing at USD 1.3 billion in FY 2024–25-a growth of 48.6% from the previous year-the FTA is poised to tap even more. The second round of talks are scheduled for July 2025.

 

Source: PIB, DD News, Adda247