Summary:
The first round of negotiations for the IndiaNew Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) successfully concluded in New Delhi on May 9, 2025, following extensive virtual discussions beforehand. This milestone furthers bilateral economic ties, aligning with guidance from the two countries' prime ministers: Honble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Right Honble Christopher Luxon of New Zealand. The FTA was launched on March 16, 2025, during a meeting between India's Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Trade and Investment Minister Mr. Todd McClay.
The negotiations involved comprehensive discussions across various aspects including trade in goods and services, trade facilitation, and sectors with mutual economic cooperation potential. Both nations underscored the strategic importance of fostering a balanced, mutually beneficial, and fair trade agreement to match rising bilateral trade momentum, which witnessed strong growth from USD 1.3 billion to 48.6% over the previous fiscal year.
The concluded negotiations are anticipated to boost trade and investment prospects, enhance supply chain integration, and create more predictable trading conditions for businesses in both countries. Both India and New Zealand confirmed their shared vision of concluding the FTA this year, with a planned next round scheduled for July 2025. This round signifies India's firm commitment towards expanding its economic partnerships while aligning them with national priorities and global aspirations through multiple trade agreements.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Commerce Industry: The government ministry overseeing commerce and industry, likely of India.
IndiaNew Zealand Free Trade Agreement: A proposed trade agreement between India and New Zealand.
New Delhi: The location where the first round of FTA negotiations concluded; the capital of India.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi - the agency that posted the information.
Honble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi: The Prime Minister of India; provided guidance regarding the FTA.
Right Honble Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand: The Prime Minister of New Zealand; visited India in March 2025.
Honble Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India: Minister of Commerce and Industry for the Government of India.
Honble Mr. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, Government of New Zealand: Minister for Trade and Investment for the Government of New Zealand.
Government of India: The governing body of India.
Government of New Zealand: The governing body of New Zealand.
USD 1.3 billion: The total merchandise trade between India and New Zealand in financial year 2024-25.
financial year 202425: The financial year being referenced in the document.
July 2025: The month the next round of negotiations will be held.
Abhishek DayalAbhijith Narayanan: Potentially individuals involved in the release of the information.
Release ID: 2128011: Identification number for the press release.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
First Round of India–New Zealand Free Trade
Agreement negotiation Concludes in New Delhi
Posted On: 09 MAY 2025 10:22PM by PIB Delhi
In a major step towards expanding bilateral trade and investment engagement, the first round of negotiations
for the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded successfully today in New Delhi. The
negotiations were held from 5-9 May, 2025.
This development builds on the shared commitment to deepen economic ties and guidance given by Hon’ble
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi during the visit of the Right Hon’ble Christopher Luxon, Prime
Minister of New Zealand in March 2025. The FTA was launched during the meeting between Hon’ble Shri
Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and Hon’ble Mr. Todd McClay,
Minister for Trade and Investment, Government of New Zealand on March 16, 2025.
The First Round followed a series of virtual discussions held between both partners which laid the
groundwork for the in-person meeting. Constructive negotiations were held across all areas of FTA including
Trade in Goods and Services, Trade Facilitation and mutually beneficial sectors of economic co-operation.
This engagement highlights the strategic importance both partners attach to building a mutually beneficial,
balanced and a fair trade agreement.
The bilateral trade relationship has seen a sharp upward trajectory in recent years. Total merchandise trade
between the two countries has reached USD 1.3 billion in financial year 2024–25, registering a strong growth
of 48.6% over the previous financial year. This underscores the growing potential of India-New Zealand
Economic Partnership. The FTA is expected to further elevate trade and investment potential, improve supply
chain integration, and foster a predictable and transformative trading environment for businesses on both
sides.
Both countries reaffirmed their common vision and mutual understanding to work towards a future ready
framework and conclude the FTA this year. The next round will be held in July 2025. As India steadily
advances its footprint through multiple trade agreements, this round reflects a steadfast commitment to
enhance economic partnerships aligned with national priorities and global aspirations.
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Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan
(Release ID: 2128011)