Historic visit: India-New Zealand FTA near finalisation, says Goyal
Historic visit: India-New Zealand FTA near finalisation, says Goyal
During a four-day Auckland visit, Goyal says India-NZ FTA talks are advancing rapidly, with teams resolving key issues and a final deal in sight.
India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said negotiations on the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement are progressing rapidly during a four-day official visit to Auckland, with both sides aiming to wrap up the deal soon. He noted that sensitive issues on both sides are being addressed with a spirit of accommodation, and that the teams have done a wonderful job. He added that a lot of work remains, but the remaining nuances are being resolved, and talks will continue tomorrow with the hope of making substantial progress toward finalising the FTA.
New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay highlighted the upside of a closer trade partnership, noting that two-way trade rose about 10% in the last year and that a robust FTA would unlock real opportunities for businesses in both economies.
At an Indian community event in Auckland, Goyal stressed that ties go beyond trade, pointing to ongoing cooperation in areas such as defence, aerospace, innovation, education, culture and sports. He recalled that over 30 MoUs signed during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to India reflect the expanding partnership between the two nations.
Goyal also underscored India’s growing global economic footprint, saying the country has moved from a “fragile five” to one of the world’s top five economies and is on track to become the third-largest economy by 2027–28, with GDP projected to reach $32 trillion by 2047. He cited recent FTAs with Mauritius, the UAE, Australia, EFTA and the UK, and noted ongoing talks with the EU, the US, Oman, Chile, Peru and Bahrain as part of a broader push to deepen economic engagement.
Cover image source: Piyush Goyal In Auckland Highlights Stronger India–NZ Partnership, FTA Push & Wider Cooperation 🔗
