India, NZ eye deeper ties, progress on trade deal

India is one of the most consequential countries on the planet and soon to be the third biggest economy in the world, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Wednesday during a visit by Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal to review progress of the free trade negotiations between the two countries.

- Rajeev Jayaswal

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

(PTI)

New Zealand and India are “complementary economies” and “we can actually benefit from each other” by finding areas where we have commonality,” Luxon added, underscoring India’s strategic position in maintaining a democratic and rules-based global order.

“India is one of the most consequential countries on the planet, and it’s becoming the third biggest economy in the world. It has a huge defence responsibility as well, to make sure, there's peace and civility” he said while addressing media after an event in which he, Goyal and New Zealand trade minister Todd McClay addressed the Indian community.