India, New Zealand advance FTA talks in second round held in New Delhi, next round in September

India and New Zealand wrapped up the second round of negotiations on a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) in New Delhi on Friday recording progress in key areas such as trade in goods, services, investment and trade facilitation, according to India’s commerce ministry.

The discussions, which took place between July 14 and 25, followed the formal launch of negotiations in March during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to India. A third round of talks is scheduled for September in New Zealand, with interim virtual meetings planned in the lead-up.

The development comes just a day after India signed a trade agreement with the United Kingdom, as it continues parallel trade negotiations with the European Union and the United States.

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Both nations are working towards what the ministry described as a “balanced, comprehensive and forward-looking” agreement.

Continuing the momentum generated during the first round held in May 2025 in New Delhi, the second round of negotiations were held from 14th to 25th July 2025.

“This round accomplished significant advancement in multiple areas, including trade in goods and services, investment, rules of origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and economic cooperation. discussions were marked by mutual interest in achieving early convergence on several texts. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to concluding a balanced, comprehensive, and forward-looking agreement,” the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement.

India’s bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand reached USD 1.3 billion in FY 2024-25, recording a growth of 48.6% over the previous financial year, signalling the growing potential of the economic partnership.

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The FTA is expected to enhance trade flows, support investment linkages, promote supply chain resilience, and establish a predictable and enabling environment for businesses in both countries.