Trade Talks Gain Pace as India–NZ Partnership Deepens

Developing the India–NZ Partnership has been a top priority for the current Government, with unprecedented engagement between the two countries over the past two years. Minister Goyal’s visit follows a series of significant diplomatic milestones — including Indian President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s trade mission to India and multiple visits by Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Minister McClay.

The pace of dialogue shows clear intent: both nations aim to move swiftly yet carefully, ensuring the final FTA reflects the shared ambition for a resilient and future-focused trade relationship.

Minister McClay is set to travel to India again around the second week to continue negotiations and other discussion, further reinforcing the commitment on both sides to deliver.

Once finished, the India–NZ Partnership through a Free Trade Agreement could unlock significant access to India’s fastly growing market, offering New Zealand exporters greater diversity and opportunity at a time when global trade is unknown.

The growing relationship between New Zealand and India signifies a shift in economic development and a new era of collaboration, one built on mutual respect, shared prosperity and long-term vision.What began as a diplomatic conversation has now evolved into a defining moment for New Zealand’s trade ambitions. The recent visit by Mr Piyush Goyal, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, definitely marks a well defined leap towards deepening India–NZ Partnership. His official visit, (the first by an Indian Commerce Minister) was not only symbolic but demonstrated a shared determination towards advance trading, investment and long-term cooperation.

Minister Goyal led the largest Indian delegation ever to visit New Zealand, comprising 43 members, including prominent business leaders and media representatives. The visit featured high-level business meetings, community engagements with the New Zealand Indian diaspora and intensive discussions with New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister, Todd McClay, centred on advancing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations.

Mr McClay described the visit as a valuable opportunity to showcase New Zealand’s export excellence and celebrate the success stories already emerging from existing collaborations. He emphasised that a high-quality FTA would create fresh avenues for trade and investment while ensuring balanced and meaningful outcomes for both economies.

“Discussions in Rotorua were constructive and productive,” said Minister McClay. “We made strong progress towards a comprehensive and ambitious agreement that will deliver real benefits to both sides.”

The growing relationship between New Zealand and India signifies a shift in economic development and a new era of collaboration, one built on mutual respect, shared prosperity and long-term vision.