India, New Zealand resume FTA negotiations after a decade amid Official Visit of PM Luxon

"This significant step was marked by a meeting between Hon'ble Shri Piyush Goyal, India's Minister for Commerce and Industry, and Hon'ble Mr. Todd McClay, New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, on March 16th, 2025, laying the foundation of a momentous partnership towards strengthening the economic and trade ties between the two countries," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

India and New Zealand were engaged in negotiating the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in April 2010 to bolster trade in goods, services, investment and related issues.

However, the talks stalled after nine rounds of discussions in 2015.

Aim Of FTA Negotiations

The Indian government said the India-New Zealand FTA negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access.

"This milestone reflects a shared vision for a stronger economic partnership, fostering resilience and prosperity," the statement said.

New Zealand PM Visiting India

The FTA negotiations assume significance since it is taking place at a time when New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon is visiting India for a four-day official trip to the South Asian nation.

He is paying an Official Visit to India from March 16 to March 20 at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi.

He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials, businesses, media and members of the Indian diaspora community in New Zealand.

This would be the first visit to India by Prime Minister Rt Hon Luxon in his present capacity. He will visit New Delhi and Mumbai before returning to Wellington on 20 March 2025.

"During his visit, Prime Minister Rt Hon Luxon will hold talks with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 17 March 2025 covering various aspects of India-New Zealand relations," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Prime Minister Rt Hon Luxon will join the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 on 17 March 2025 in New Delhi as the Chief Guest and deliver the Keynote Address.