New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he is confident that a free trade agreement (FTA) with India will be finalised before the end of his government’s term, as India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal arrived in Auckland this week for a fresh round of negotiations.
Luxon said India was “a country of huge importance to New Zealand’s prosperity, security, and society,” adding that the government was “working hard on a New Zealand–India free trade agreement that would create massive opportunities for Kiwi businesses in the Indian market.”
The Prime Minister joined Trade Ministers Todd McClay and Piyush Goyal in Auckland on Wednesday to continue discussions, skipping Question Time in Parliament to attend the high-level meeting.
“The fact that he’s come down to New Zealand is a really big sign of the progress we’re making. It’s a really important relationship for New Zealand, so it’s important I spend some time with him,” Luxon said before flying north.
Goyal’s visit marks the fourth round of FTA talks, with negotiations officially launched in March 2025 following Luxon and McClay’s visit to India. The National Government had pledged to secure a trade deal with India within its first term.
Luxon dismissed any suggestion that his absence from Parliament was linked to difficulties in the negotiations.
“No, no, they are going well. They are tough, as you would expect, and quite reasonably so, but there is massive commitment,” he said.
“As Prime Minister, when we’ve got a lot invested in it, it’s not unhelpful that I’m there as well—just to say hello and build that relationship.”
Meanwhile, Goyal said he was “delighted to be in New Zealand to review the progress” of the ongoing negotiations.
In a post on X, he noted that both sides were working to expedite the process toward a comprehensive, mutually beneficial economic partnership, adding that he would also meet with industry leaders and investors “to explore new avenues for collaboration and investment.”
India–New Zealand merchandise trade reached USD 1.3 billion in 2024–25, a 49 per cent increase on the previous year. India’s key exports include textiles, pharmaceuticals, refined petrol, agricultural machinery, and basmati rice, while New Zealand’s major exports are agricultural goods, fruits such as apples and kiwifruit, dairy and meat products, coal, timber, and wool.
Luxon reiterated that he, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and both trade ministers are “deeply committed” to achieving a deal that enhances trade and investment between the two Indo-Pacific partners.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
