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Key Points

The third round of India-New Zealand FTA negotiations has successfully concluded in Queenstown. Both countries demonstrated strong commitment to finalizing a balanced trade agreement. Significant progress was made with several chapters being finalized during this round. The next round of talks is scheduled for October in New Delhi to maintain the negotiation momentum.

Key Points: India New Zealand FTA Third Round Concludes in Queenstown

  • Third round held in Queenstown from September 15-19
  • Several chapters concluded with significant progress achieved
  • Bilateral trade grew 49% to $1.3 billion in FY25
  • Next round scheduled for October 13-14 in New Delhi
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Third round of India-New Zealand FTA negotiations concludes

Third round of India-New Zealand FTA talks concludes successfully in Queenstown with significant progress on chapters. Next round scheduled for October in New Delhi.

"The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen economic ties - Commerce and Industry Ministry"

New Delhi, September 19

The third round of negotiations for the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded successfully on Friday in Queenstown, New Zealand.

The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen economic ties and work towards the early conclusion of a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement.

Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, the negotiations reflected a common resolve to deepen bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation, a Commerce and Industry Ministry release said.

The FTA was formally launched on March 16, 2025, during the meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay.

The third round, held from September 15 to 19, witnessed constructive discussions across all areas of the agreement. Several chapters were concluded and significant progress was achieved in other key domains.

India's bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand stood at USD 1.3 billion in FY 2024-25, registering a growth of nearly 49 per cent over the previous year.

The proposed FTA is expected to further boost trade flows, promote investment linkages, strengthen supply chain resilience, and create a predictable framework for businesses in both countries.

Both sides agreed to maintain momentum through inter-sessional engagements. The next round of in-person negotiations is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on October 13-14, 2025.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
49% growth in trade is impressive! This FTA could be a game-changer for Indian exporters. Our textiles, engineering goods, and spices have huge potential in the New Zealand market.
A
Aditya G
Hope the government ensures protection for our farmers. New Zealand's dairy industry is highly competitive and we need safeguards for our agricultural sector. Balance is crucial.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the tech industry, I'm excited about the opportunities this could create for Indian IT professionals. New Zealand has a growing tech ecosystem that could benefit from our expertise.
V
Vikram M
Good to see the negotiations progressing well. New Zealand is a quality-focused market - this could push Indian manufacturers to improve standards and compete globally. Win-win situation! 👍
M
Michael C
While the progress is encouraging, I hope the agreement includes proper environmental and labor standards. Sustainable trade should be the priority, not just increasing numbers.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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