Trade Minister Todd McClay says both sides are "making meaningful progress". Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
New Zealand has commenced a second round of free trade negotiations with India in New Delhi.
"We have been advancing discussions with India since the launch of FTA (free trade agreement) negotiations in March, including in-person talks in Delhi in May, a series of virtual engagements and a second round of negotiations taking place this week," Trade Minister Todd McClay said.
"There has been good engagement from both sides, and we're making meaningful progress.
"While there's still significant work ahead, both countries are committed to securing a high-quality, commercially meaningful agreement."
The negotiations follow Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's trip to India in March, with both countries agreeing to restart free trade negotiations a decade after earlier talks stalled.
The previous negotiations, which took place between 2011 and 2015, were hindered by obstacles, particularly around New Zealand's dairy exports.
Talks ended after India joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which the South Asian nation exited in 2019.
India is New Zealand's 12th two-way trading partner, with total trade value reaching $3.14 billion in 2024.
India is New Zealand's 25th largest goods export market - valued at $718 million - mainly in forestry and agricultural products, including wool, timber and apples.
"The New Zealand-India FTA will create valuable opportunities for both New Zealand and Indian exporters to diversify their export destination and expand two-way trade between our two countries," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in an overview of the two nations' relationship on its website.
