NEW DELHI: India and New Zealand on Monday concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic and strategic ties. Negotiations for the India–New Zealand FTA were initiated during Prime Minister Luxon’s visit to India in March 2025, and the leaders said the agreement’s completion in a record nine months reflected strong political will and a shared ambition to deepen engagement between the two nations. Building on the momentum of the agreement, the two sides expressed confidence in doubling bilateral trade over the next five years and projected investments of about $20 billion from New Zealand into India over the next 15 years. India has offered tariff liberalisation in 70 per cent of tariff lines, covering 95 per cent of bilateral trade. The agreement is among India’s fastest-concluded FTAs and aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Source: Indian Express December 22, 2025 06:41 UTC