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India, NZ Ministers Visit Taj Mahal Ahead of Landmark FTA Signing

Union Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Minister Todd McClay visited the Taj Mahal in Agra with their spouses ahead of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement signing. The FTA, set to be signed on April 27, marks a milestone in bilateral economic ties. Goyal described the visit as a "defining moment" and highlighted shared trust and values. The agreement will provide duty-free access for Indian exports and open opportunities in services like IT and healthcare.

Key Points: India-NZ FTA: Goyal, McClay Visit Taj Mahal

  • Union Minister Goyal and NZ Minister McClay visit Taj Mahal with spouses ahead of FTA signing
  • India and New Zealand set to sign Free Trade Agreement on April 27
  • FTA negotiations started in March 2025, concluded in December 2025
  • Agreement provides duty-free access for Indian exports and opens Pacific Island markets
2 min read

Ahead of FTA signing, Union Minister Goyal, NZ Minister McClay visit Taj Mahal with spouses

Union Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Todd McClay, with spouses, visited the Taj Mahal before signing the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement on April 27.

"As we approach the #IndiaNZFTA signing on 27th April 2026, his visit marks a defining moment in our bilateral journey - Piyush Goyal"

Agra, April 26

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay on Sunday visited the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, with their spouses, Seema Goyal and Nadine McClay. The minister's visit to the monument comes a day before both countries are set to sign the Free Trade Agreement on April 27.

Meanwhile, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India and New Zealand are set to begin a "new chapter" in their economic relations with the upcoming Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signing, calling it a key milestone in strengthening bilateral ties.

Goyal welcomed New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, to India, saying the visit marks a "defining moment" in the partnership between the two countries, as the trading partners are set to enhance their relationship with the FTA.

In a post on X on Friday, Goyal wrote, "Delighted to welcome Mr Todd McClay, Minister for Trade & Investment, New Zealand, to India, as we begin a new chapter in India-New Zealand economic ties."

He said that the proposed India-New Zealand FTA, scheduled for signing on April 27, reflects "shared trust, values, and a common vision for sustainable economic growth and mutual prosperity."

"As we approach the #IndiaNZFTA signing on 27th April 2026, his visit marks a defining moment in our bilateral journey, reflecting the trust, shared values, and common vision that underpin our partnership for sustainable economic growth, driving prosperity for both our nations," the post read.

India and New Zealand had announced the start of FTA negotiations in March 2025, and after multiple rounds of discussions, the agreement was concluded in December 2025, marking one of India's fastest-concluded FTAs.

According to the Indian government statement, the concluded agreement will provide unprecedented duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand while safeguarding sensitive sectors. It is also expected to strengthen economic resilience and promote inclusive growth aligned with India's national priorities.

The FTA is set to enhance market access and tariff preferences for Indian exports, while also serving as a gateway to Oceania and Pacific Island markets. It opens opportunities for India to supply a skilled workforce and expand services in areas such as IT, engineering, healthcare, education, construction, as well as sectors like AYUSH, including Yoga instructors, Indian chefs and music teachers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Fastest FTA signed? That's impressive. But we need to ensure our dairy and agriculture sectors are protected – New Zealand has huge advantages there. Let's see the fine print before celebrating.
R
Rahul R
Great to see India expanding its trade reach. The Pacific market access could be a gamechanger for our pharma and IT sectors. But I hope our government has negotiated strong safeguards for MSMEs.
S
Sneha F
As always, our ministers find time for sightseeing before serious work. Hope the FTA isn't just photo ops and press releases – our exporters need concrete benefits, not just promises. 🙏
V
Varun X
This is a big deal for Indian IT professionals. With New Zealand opening up for skilled workforce, our engineers and doctors could get fantastic opportunities. Let's hope the visa terms are favourable.
M
Meera T
Interesting that they're signing this while visiting the Taj. But I hope the FTA doesn't undervalue our local artisans and traditional knowledge – AYUSH and Yoga are part of our heritage, not just trade items.

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