Photo: AFP
New Zealand has concluded its third round of free trade negotiations with India.
The negotiations in Queenstown 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.
Since then, there has been in-person talks in New Delhi in May followed by a series of virtual engagements and a second round of negotiations in India in July.
The third round held in the South Island town between 15 and 19 September was described as "constructive".
"Several chapters were concluded and significant progress was achieved in other key domains," India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement.
"The proposed free trade agreement is expected to further boost trade flows, promote investment linkages, strengthen supply chain resilience and create a predictable framework for businesses in both countries," the statement said.
"The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen economic ties and work towards the early conclusion of a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement."
The previous negotiations, which took place between 2011 and 2015, were hindered by obstacles, particularly around New Zealand's dairy exports.
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.
While Trade Minister Todd McClay declined to comment on the substance or progress of the negotiations Monday, he told RNZ last month a free trade agreement with India would be confirmed before next year's general election.
The minister said the second round of formal negotiations ended with the Indian government saying it wanted to conclude the agreement quickly.
The next round of in-person trade negotiations is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 13 and 14 October.
