India-New Zealand fourth-round trade talks enter second day

The fourth round of negotiations for the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered its second day in Auckland on November 4, 2025. The week-long discussions, scheduled from November 3 to 7, mark another step toward a comprehensive, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade partnership between the two countries.

This round builds on the momentum created by the March 2025 meeting between the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Right Hon’ble Christopher Luxon, when both leaders agreed to deepen bilateral economic cooperation. The FTA was formally launched on March 16 this year following talks between Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, and Mr. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand.

Negotiators are now focusing on key areas including trade in goods, trade in services, and rules of origin. For India, the agreement carries significant export potential in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, IT services, textiles, and processed foods, where Indian industries are highly competitive in New Zealand’s high-income market. However, progress remains measured, as India seeks to safeguard sensitive domestic sectors, particularly agriculture and dairy, while pushing for greater access for Indian professionals and service providers.

Officials from both sides have described the discussions as constructive but confirmed that no major outcomes have been achieved so far. Critical issues such as tariff reductions, agricultural access, and service-sector liberalisation continue to be discussed in technical sessions. Both governments have reiterated their goal of an early, balanced conclusion but acknowledge that additional rounds of negotiation may be required.

The ongoing talks take place as India works to expand its global trade partnerships. The country already has 13 operational FTAs, including with ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Australia. However, no new major trade pacts have been finalised since 2022, when India signed landmark agreements with the UAE and Australia. Since then, negotiations with the United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued but remain incomplete.

For New Zealand, the proposed FTA offers access to India’s vast and growing consumer market, while for India, it represents an opportunity to strengthen economic ties with a key Indo-Pacific partner after a decade-long pause in talks. Although this round has yet to produce major results, both sides see it as an important step toward establishing a modern and inclusive trade framework that supports sustainable growth and shared prosperity for both nations.