India-New Zealand trade talks progressing with mutual respect: Piyush Goyal

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said the ongoing India-New Zealand trade negotiations are progressing with “mutual respect” and stressed the need to explore innovative avenues of cooperation to deepen the economic partnership between the trading partners.

Goyal, who is on an official visit to New Zealand to strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations between the two nations, said there is immense potential for collaboration across key sectors, including maritime, forestry, sports, education, technology, and tourism. It may be noted that the fourth round of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations is currently underway in Auckland.

According to the ministry, speaking on the ongoing India-New Zealand FTA negotiations, Goyal said discussions are progressing with mutual respect and a shared commitment to achieving balanced outcomes.

“The minister highlighted that New Zealand stands to benefit from access to India’s vast and rapidly growing market, while India can leverage New Zealand’s technological expertise and niche capabilities to build mutually rewarding cooperation. He also acknowledged the vital contribution of the Indian diaspora in strengthening New Zealand’s economy and enhancing cultural and people-to-people ties,” the release added.

Goyal expressed optimism about creating more “Successful Kiwi–Bharat Stories” as part of a shared vision for deeper collaboration across sectors, according to the ministry's release. “He lauded the hard work of the vibrant Indian diaspora and affirmed that shared values, culture, and aspirations continue to bring India and New Zealand closer, paving the way for a stronger and future-oriented partnership,” it added.

It may be noted that New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed strong support for India’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse, stating that India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy.

India deepens trade ties with Latin America

Meanwhile, India has successfully concluded two key rounds of trade negotiations with partner countries in Latin America, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation and deepening trade linkages with the region, said a release from the commerce ministry today.

“The 9th Round of India-Peru Trade Agreement negotiations was held in Lima, Peru, from 3rd to 5th November 2025. The discussions witnessed substantive progress across key chapters of the proposed Agreement, including Trade in Goods and Services, Rules of Origin, Technical Barriers to Trade, Customs Procedures, Dispute Settlement, and Critical Minerals,” the ministry said.