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Piyush Goyal Lauds Agra Admin, Security After Taj Mahal Visit with NZ Minister

Union Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Minister Todd McClay visited the Taj Mahal in Agra with their families on Sunday. Goyal thanked the Agra administration, security personnel, and tour guides for their hospitality. The visit precedes the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement on April 27. Goyal described the FTA as a defining moment and a new chapter in bilateral economic relations.

Key Points: Piyush Goyal, NZ Minister Visit Taj Mahal Ahead of FTA Signing

  • Piyush Goyal and NZ Minister Todd McClay visit Taj Mahal with families
  • Goyal thanks Agra admin, security, and tour guides
  • Visit comes a day before India-New Zealand FTA signing on April 27
  • Goyal calls FTA a "new chapter" in economic ties
2 min read

Piyush Goyal commends Agra admin, security, guides after Taj Mahal visit with New Zealand Minister

Union Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Todd McClay toured the Taj Mahal. Goyal praised Agra admin and security, ahead of the India-New Zealand FTA signing on April 27.

Piyush Goyal commends Agra admin, security, guides after Taj Mahal visit with New Zealand Minister
"The Minister and his wife visited India, and they wanted to visit the Taj Mahal. I am really happy that they visited it today. - Piyush Goyal"

Agra, April 26

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay on Sunday spent the morning touring the historic Taj Mahal along with their families. The minister, while talking to the reporter, thanked the administration, security and the tour guides who were present at the Taj Mahal.

Talking to the reporters, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, "The Minister and his wife visited India, and they wanted to visit the Taj Mahal. I am really happy that they visited it today. Their response was beautiful. They loved Taj Mahal, and I would like to congratulate the administration here and all the security personnel here. I also thank our tour guides..."

Meanwhile, 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 (FTA) on April 27.

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."

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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The Taj Mahal is always a perfect backdrop for diplomacy. But I hope we also focus on improving basic infrastructure in Agra beyond the monument. The city deserves better roads and cleanliness.
V
Vikram M
Finally some good news on trade front! Fast-track FTA with New Zealand shows our government means business. And yes, Taj Mahal is always a hit with foreign visitors. Kudos to the Agra administration for keeping it clean.
A
Ananya R
Beautiful gesture! But I wonder how much of this FTA will actually benefit small farmers and artisans. The big corporates usually benefit the most. Need to see the fine print.
R
Rohit P
Proud moment for Agra! The administration deserves credit. But honestly, we need to maintain this standard even when no VIPs are visiting. Tourism is our soft power. šŸ‘
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited the Taj last year, it truly is magnificent. I hope the FTA also includes cultural exchange programs. Would love to see more Kiwis visiting India.
M
Michael C
Interesting timing - combining tourism with trade diplomacy. Smart move by India. The New Zealand minister must have been impressed. Let's hope this FTA leads to more dairy and agri exports for India! šŸ‡³šŸ‡æšŸ¤šŸ‡®šŸ‡³

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