India and New Zealand are gearing up for the next round of negotiations for their proposed free trade agreement (FTA) this September. The announcement came from India’s Commerce Ministry on Friday, following the conclusion of the second round of talks on July 25. The discussions are part of a broader effort to strengthen economic ties between the two nations. The FTA talks were officially launched back in March 2025, and both sides are making steady progress.
The third round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in New Zealand next month. To keep the momentum going, virtual meetings will be held between the formal rounds. These inter-sessional discussions aim to maintain the positive trajectory established during the latest round of talks. The second round saw significant progress across various sectors, including Trade in Goods and Services, Investment, Rules of Origin, and Customs Procedures. Other key areas like Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, and Economic Cooperation also saw advancements.
Trade between India and New Zealand has been growing steadily. In the 2024-25 financial year, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries hit USD 1.3 billion, marking an impressive 48.6 percent increase compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the potential benefits of a formalized trade agreement. The FTA is expected to further boost trade flows, encourage investment, and foster supply chain resilience. It also aims to create a more predictable and business-friendly environment for companies operating in both countries.
The push for an FTA reflects the shared commitment of India and New Zealand to deepen their economic partnership. By reducing trade barriers and simplifying procedures, the agreement could open up new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. The upcoming round of talks in September will be crucial in shaping the final terms of the deal. Both nations seem optimistic about the prospects, and the progress so far suggests that a mutually beneficial agreement is within reach.
As the negotiations advance, stakeholders in both countries will be watching closely. The FTA has the potential to reshape trade dynamics, offering a win-win scenario for India and New Zealand. With the next round just around the corner, the focus will be on bridging any remaining gaps and solidifying the framework for future cooperation.