India, New Zealand wrap up first round of FTA talks

WORKING AGAINST a tight deadline, India and New Zealand on Friday concluded the first round of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).

- MUKESH JAGOTA

WORKING AGAINST a tight deadline, India and New Zealand on Friday concluded the first round of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). The talks, which began on May 5, discussed the broad contours of the agreement.

The decision to restart FTA negotiations was made during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to New Delhi in March. To reach a conclusion, both sides had set a deadline of 60 days from the start of the negotiations.

This marks the second attempt by the two countries to secure a trade deal. The goal is to expand bilateral trade tenfold over the next decade. During April-February of FY25, trade between the two nations stood at $1.2 billion, with India exporting goods worth $644 million and importing $546 million.