India, New Zealand Push for Early Trade Pact After Fourth Round

• India and New Zealand wrap up the fourth round of FTA negotiations.
• Talks focus on goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation.
• Both nations aim for an early, balanced, and comprehensive trade deal.

India and New Zealand have completed the fourth round of negotiations for their proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and reaffirmed their commitment to reach an early conclusion. The discussions, held this week, were reviewed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay.

The latest round centered on market access for goods and services, investment promotion, and economic and technical cooperation, Goyal shared in a social media post. He emphasized that both countries are aligned in pursuing a mutually beneficial agreement that strengthens their growing strategic and economic partnership.

During his three-day visit, Goyal also met business leaders to explore new ways to enhance bilateral trade and investments. He expressed optimism that the FTA negotiations, launched in March 2025, are progressing quickly and could be finalized soon.

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India’s trade with New Zealand reached USD 1.3 billion in 2024-25, marking a 49% growth from the previous year. India mainly exports textiles, pharmaceuticals, refined petroleum, machinery, and agricultural tools, while imports from New Zealand include agricultural products, minerals, fruits, meat, dairy items, and timber.

Both countries hope that the agreement will unlock greater opportunities for trade, investment, and innovation while deepening their long-term economic ties.