The long-discussed Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand is now close to completion, with both sides expressing confidence that it will be finalised soon. After six intensive rounds of talks, officials from both countries are conducting a final review to resolve the last few concerns. Sources said the meeting went on for more than two extra hours as negotiators tried to settle some “sticky” points, mainly around agriculture and dairy, which have been the most sensitive areas.

New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay described the progress as “lots done, a little bit still to go,” while India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that the two sides “will finalise the FTA very soon.” Sources added that the formal announcement is expected to be made in India once both Prime Ministers approve it.

As part of the next step, McClay will visit India next week, leading a high-level business delegation. The team will meet Indian officials and industry leaders in Mumbai and New Delhi to strengthen trade and investment ties. Sources said the key focus areas will be farming and farm technology, with New Zealand planning long-term investments in India’s agriculture sector. In the initial phase, the country will supply raw materials for paper production, but over time, it is expected to invest directly in Indian production facilities, following Singapore’s model, to serve domestic and regional markets.

Officials have assured that the deal will protect the interests of Indian farmers, fisherfolk, and small businesses. Instead of harming them, the FTA aims to boost trade in a balanced way and help both economies grow by 2030. Industry groups on both sides have called the recent talks “hugely positive,” with cooperation expanding into other sectors such as film production, tourism, sports, and even space technology.

In an interesting new area of partnership, New Zealand has offered India access to its launch pads for upcoming space missions like Gaganyaan and Mangalyaan, sources said. A memorandum of understanding on film production is also expected to be signed soon to encourage joint movie projects. Another big milestone is the agreement for direct Delhi–Auckland flights, which has already been signed and is expected to start by 2027 once airlines acquire new aircraft.

Although most sections of the agreement have been settled, agriculture and dairy continue to need careful handling. Negotiators are working to ensure that local producers are protected while creating space for new technology sharing and trade opportunities.

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement is expected to become a major step in strengthening economic ties between the two countries. It will help expand trade and investment, encourage innovation in agriculture and technology, and promote collaboration in new fields like space and entertainment. The deal is also designed to support India’s “Make in India” mission and New Zealand’s goal of building strong, resilient global supply chains.

Earlier this week, Piyush Goyal hinted that the deal could be signed soon. “For about 20 years, discussions have been going on in New Zealand for FTA (Free Trade Agreement), but it was not getting done due to some reason. It was set aside. PM Modi set a target of Viksit Bharat 2047 before everyone. For that, it is essential to further expand our relations with developed countries,” Goyal said, as quoted by ANI.

“There is a possibility of FTA really fast. I hope we will decide on an FTA soon between the two nations which will be beneficial for both countries,” he added.