US Edition1.4 billion Indian consumers! New Zealand PM hails FTA with India; says it will generate more jobs, higher income
The agreement aims to double bilateral trade in five years and attract $20 billion in Indian investments over 15 years, enhancing jobs and exports for both nations.
- India and New Zealand finalized the agreement on December 22, with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon calling it a landmark opening access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers.
- Negotiations launched on March 16, 2025 began and concluded after five formal rounds plus intersession talks, with Christopher Luxon and Narendra Modi saying the deal reflected shared ambition to deepen ties.
- Tariff and regulatory changes include eliminating tariffs on 100 per cent of tariff lines and a Temporary Employment Entry Visa pathway for up to 5,000 skilled Indian professionals.
- Divisions within the coalition surfaced when Foreign Minister Winston Peters of the New Zealand First party called the deal `neither free nor fair` and said he raised concerns with S Jaishankar.
- Leaders project the deal could double bilateral trade within five years and attract $20 billion in investments over 15 years, boosting labour-intensive sectors like textiles, apparel, and marine products.
11 Articles
11 Articles
'More jobs, higher income': New Zealand PM lauds India FTA despite his foreign minister's objection
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday welcomed the Free Trade Agreement with India, describing it as a major achievement for his government, even as differences emerged within the ruling coalition after the country's foreign minister voiced strong reservations. Calling the agreement a landmark step, Luxon said it marked a key move towards long-term economic growth. “We said we’d secure a Free Trade Agreement with India in our …
1.4 billion Indian consumers! New Zealand PM hails FTA with India; says it will generate more jobs, higher income
New Zealand President Christopher Luxon on Saturday said that the Free Trade Agreement with India will generate more jobs and higher income, apart from benefitting 1.4 billion Indians through more exports.
New chapter in bilateral ties
India-New Zealand FTA By Dr. D.K. Giri (Prof of Practice, NIIS Group of Institutions) India and New Zealand have just concluded negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) marking a significant milestone in their economic partnership. The negotiations, finalised on 22 December aim at doubling the bilateral trade over the next five years, synergising […]
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