Free Trade Agreement Archives -

Free trade agreement between India and New Zealand, Foreign Minister Peters had objection but PM praised it, know how the country will benefit?

Admin — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 05:21:25 +0000

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New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday (27 December) welcomed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, whereas just a few days ago his country’s Foreign Minister had expressed strong objection to it. Luxon described the agreement as a historic achievement for his government and an important step towards future development.

Lakson said, “We had promised to have a free trade agreement with India in our first term and we have fulfilled it.” Emphasizing its economic importance, he said that this agreement will provide more employment, higher income and more export opportunities for 14 lakh Indian consumers.

What did New Zealand’s Foreign Minister say
He said that this agreement is part of the broader agenda of his government. The recent deal exposed divisions within New Zealand’s ruling coalition, as Foreign Minister Winston Peters criticized the deal as neither free nor fair. Peters, leader of the New Zealand First (NZF) party, further said that he had conveyed his party’s concerns to Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and also said that despite his opposition to the deal, he had the utmost respect for him.

benefit to both countries
The free trade agreement was announced earlier this week after talks between PM Modi and Luxon. Both the leaders said that with this agreement, bilateral trade can double in the next 5 years and there can be investment of 20 billion dollars in India in the next 15 years. Negotiations for this agreement started in March. At the time of the announcement, Modi and Luxon said that the agreement reflects the shared ambition and political will to further deepen relations between the two countries.

New Zealand First Party leader expressed protest
Regarding this agreement, New Zealand First Party leader Peters wrote on Twitter, “New Zealand First had appealed to its coalition partner not to hastily finalize a low-quality agreement with India.” He alleged that speed was given priority instead of quality. Peters said that the National Party considered it better to make a poor agreement rather than work hard to achieve a fair agreement that would be beneficial to both New Zealand and the Indians.

The main point of contention for Peters is the treatment of the dairy industry. He said that New Zealand has completely opened its market to India, but in return the tariff on Indian imports of major dairy products has not been reduced.

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This move by India may shock China, and may deflate the bullying Beijing.

Admin — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 11:17:03 +0000

India New Zealand Free Trade Agreement: Amidst the pressure of American high tariffs, India has started trying to melt the frozen ice with China and rebalance the trade relations, so that dependence on the American market can be reduced and the markets of China, Russia and other countries can be shifted towards. However, recent reports indicate that despite this initiative, India’s trade deficit with China has already increased, as India’s imports from China are increasing rapidly while India’s exports remain relatively weak.

How will China’s concern increase?

Meanwhile, an important report by the economic research institute Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has made it clear that India has a big opportunity to raise China’s concerns and challenge its global hold, especially in a market like New Zealand. According to the report, in the year 2024-25, New Zealand imported more than US $ 10 billion from China, while only US $ 711 million worth of goods were purchased from India, while New Zealand’s total imports were about US $ 50 billion.

GTRI says that under the proposed bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), there are huge opportunities for Indian exporters to establish their strong presence in many sectors like agricultural and processed foods, petroleum products, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals and health services, textiles and apparel, electronic and electrical equipment, motor vehicles, transport equipment, aeronautics, high value manufacturing and furniture.

According to Ajay Srivastava, founder of GTRI, there are many sectors where Chinese competition is almost negligible, yet India’s exports are limited to only between US$100,000 and 50 million, which shows that this market is not locked by any established supplier, but has remained largely untouched till now.

How will the air come out of China?

For example, India is among the world’s largest exporters of refined petroleum products, with global exports worth US$69.2 billion, while New Zealand imports about US$6.1 billion worth of petroleum products every year, but imports only US$2.3 million from India, while China supplies US$181 million. In such a situation, experts believe that the real challenge for India is to combine FTA with targeted export promotion, standard cooperation, regulatory simplicity and better logistics support, so that it can reduce China’s dependence in markets like New Zealand and strengthen its position in global trade.

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‘Neither free, nor fair…’ Political turmoil over India-New Zealand FTA, Foreign Minister raises questions on his own government

Admin — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:13:36 +0000

There has been a sharp reaction in New Zealand politics regarding the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand. The country’s Foreign Minister and leader of the New Zealand First Party, Winston Peters, has strongly opposed this agreement, calling it ‘neither free nor fair’. He warned that the agreement was a ‘bad deal’ for New Zealand, in which the country had given too many concessions but received no concrete benefits in return.

‘Bad deal for New Zealand’
In a detailed post on social media platform X, Winston Peters said his party New Zealand First “regretfully opposes” the deal. They allege that in this FTA, serious concessions have been given on the immigration and investment front, while in return New Zealand did not get the expected benefits, especially in its major export sectors.

Allegations of loss to dairy farmers
Referring specifically to the dairy sector, Peters said that this agreement is not in the interests of New Zealand farmers. ‘This is not a good deal for New Zealand farmers and it is impossible to justify to our rural communities,’ he said.

More concessions on immigration, less benefits
According to Peters, New Zealand has given excessive concessions in the provisions related to immigration in the India-New Zealand FTA. He said that New Zealanders are not getting enough benefits from this agreement, especially in important sectors like dairy.

business expected to double
Despite Peters’ criticism, the governments of India and New Zealand have described this agreement as historic. Both countries say that this FTA can help in doubling bilateral trade in the next five years. According to the New Zealand government, under this agreement, duties will be eliminated or reduced on 95 percent of New Zealand’s exports to India, of which more than half of the products will become duty-free from day one. In return, all Indian products will get duty-free access to the New Zealand market. New Zealand has also committed to invest about 20 billion dollars in India in the next 15 years, which is being considered a big step in terms of economic relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Lakson said ‘an agreement with great benefits’
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luckson defended this FTA, saying that it would provide wide-ranging and significant benefits. He said in the statement, ‘India’s vast size and rapid economic growth creates huge opportunities for jobs, exports and economic growth for New Zealand.’ The agreement also fulfills the promise made by Laxman’s National Party in the 2022 elections to finalize an FTA with India in its first term.

Differences exposed in coalition government
Winston Peters’ sharp reaction has made it clear that there are deep differences within the ruling coalition regarding the India-New Zealand FTA. In the coming days, this issue may become more heated in the domestic politics of New Zealand.

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India’s new Trade Masterstroke, New Zealand Deal Explained | Money Live

Admin — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 11:19:09 +0000

A new business partnership is going to be formed between India and New Zealand. According to media reports, both countries have agreed on Free Trade Agreement (FTA). With this agreement, Indian companies will get lower taxes, easier rules and new markets in New Zealand. Pharma, Textile, Engineering and IT Services sectors are expected to benefit especially. This may increase opportunities for jobs, income and business expansion in the future.

India is diversifying its exports amid US trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions, in which New Zealand has emerged as an important partner. At present the trade between the two countries is $1.3–1.5 billion, which is increasing rapidly.

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What will be the impact of FTA between India and New Zealand on you? Which companies will benefit the most?

Admin — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 08:27:42 +0000

New Zealand and India Trade Deal: The free-trade agreement between India and New Zealand has been approved. This deal between the two countries was signed recently after the recent visit of New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay to India. McClay and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon gave information about this trade deal through a press conference on Monday. After this deal, India will get an opportunity to sell its goods in New Zealand markets without any tariff.

Nine months of long negotiations took place before this deal was sealed, the first round of which started at the time of PM Luxon’s visit to India in March 2025. It is expected that FTA will further strengthen the relationship between the two, strengthen bilateral trade, increase market access and encourage investment. This will open new avenues in different sectors for investors, businessmen, farmers, students and youth of both the countries.

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There may be new warmth in India-Canada relations, increased stir on CEPA agreement

Admin — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:31:25 +0000

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India Canada Trade Talks: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu discussed the framework, objectives and modalities of starting negotiations on a free trade agreement.

The two sides recently agreed to restart negotiations on the agreement, officially known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Its objective is to increase bilateral trade to 50 billion dollars by 2030.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal gave information

Giving information on social media platform “We held preliminary and comprehensive discussions on the overall vision, framework, broad objectives and modalities as we prepare to launch the CEPA negotiations.”

He also agreed to lead a high-level trade and investment delegation to Canada next year. It is noteworthy that, in the year 2023, the then Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau had accused India of having a hand in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. After that relations between the two countries soured. After that Canada had stopped talks on the agreement with India.

What is CEPA?

CEPA is a type of free trade agreement. Under which two countries either significantly reduce or eliminate customs duty on the maximum number of goods traded between them. These agreements also ease the norms of movement of skilled professionals and attract investments.

Earlier, more than six rounds of talks had taken place between the two countries on the proposed agreement. India’s exports to Canada increased by 9.8 percent to $ 4.22 billion in 2024-25, from $ 3.84 billion in 2023-24. However, imports declined by 2.33 percent to $4.44 billion in the last financial year, which was $4.55 billion in 2023-24. Bilateral trade in goods and services between India and Canada was worth $18.38 billion in 2023.

Also read: 300 flights canceled and Indigo shares crash, effect of DGCA action visible

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UK PM India Visit: ‘There will be no visa agreement’, British PM Keer Stmper broke the heart of Indians

Admin — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:13:40 +0000

Britain’s Prime Minister Kir Stmper has denied any visa agreement with India. He said that visa will not be discussed during his visit to India. Talking to reporters, the stormer said that Britain’s recent free trade agreement (FTA) with India will be fully focused on trade and investment. The British PM will be on a tour of India on 8-9 October.

When asked about increasing visa access, he said that it is not part of the scheme. He further said that this journey is to take advantage of the free trade agreement, which we have already signed. The stormer said that businesses are benefiting from this agreement, not a visa issue. He insisted that the immigration policies of Britain will be strict.

Labor party getting a tough competition in Britain
Actually, this statement of the stormer also indicates domestic political pressures in Britain. His labor party is getting challenges from the Reform UK party. The British Prime Minister is taking careful steps on the issue of immigration, which has become the centerpiece after protests in Britain.

He insisted that Britain looks for top talent from all over the world, but there is no plan to open a new way for Indian technical professionals after US President Trump’s H-1B visa system was tightened.

‘Return agreement between the two countries’
Regarding exile and security cooperation, the stormer dismissed the concerns related to India and said that this is not an issue, because there is already a return agreement between the two countries. He said that we are considering whether there should be any connection between visa and return agreements.

The stormer further said that it is not just a piece of paper, it is a launchpad of development. He said that India is on the way to become the third largest economy in the world by 2028. The opportunities that exist in it are unique.

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A big update surfaced on the tension with Trump’s tariff, the Government of India said- ‘Trade deal soon …’

Admin — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:08:16 +0000

A delegation led by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited the US from 22 to 24 September amid tariffs on Indian imports by the Donald Trump administration. During this time there was a detailed discussion between the two countries to strengthen business relations and increase investment. On this, the government issued a statement and said-
India, America will soon try to reach out to conclude on mutually beneficial trade agreement.

Meet American officials
Goyal met US Ambassador Zamison Greir, United States Trade Representative and US Ambassador Sergio Gore named in India. These meetings discussed issues related to bilateral trade. The Indian delegation also met big companies and investors in the US. Its purpose was to further promote trade and investment between India and America.

Positive signal on agreement
According to the government’s statement, meetings with US officials were creative. The two sides discussed the structure of the possible trade agreement and decided to continue negotiations to reach a mutual beneficial agreement as soon as possible. American business leaders involved in the meeting expressed confidence in India’s development journey. He also expressed his desire to intensify his business activities in India.

These meetings have been held at a time when many big issues have come up in Indo-US relations. These include tariffs on Indian imports, new fees of $ 100,000 on visa petitions and 100% tariffs on branded and patented drugs.

Discussion on promoting investment
In addition to meetings with the representatives of the Trump government on bilateral trade matters in the US, the delegation also held extensive discussions with major American businesses and investors to promote trade and investment between New Delhi and Washington.

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After a phone conversation with PM Modi, Georgia Meloni posted, told which issues were discussed?

Admin — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:36:46 +0000

Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni held a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (September 10, 2025). The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the strength of bilateral relations and reiterated the resolve to carry forward the Indo-Itly Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029. During this time, both sides laid special emphasis on increasing cooperation in commerce, investment and connectivity, as well as agreed to strengthen the connection through the Indo-Mids East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).

Initiative to deepen bilateral relations
Prime Minister Georgia Meloni said in a tweet that India and Italy have agreed to further increase bilateral cooperation. Especially it is planned to increase work on commercial sector, investment and connectivity. The two leaders also talked about making the connection more effective through the Indo-Mids East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).

Shared anxiety and dialogue on Ukraine War
An important part of the conversation discussed the current status of Ukraine War. The two leaders committed to supporting every international effort to end the war. He also emphasized the need to resume peace talks and ceasefire, so that a justified and permanent solution could be found. Prime Minister Georgia Meloni shared this important dialogue and reiterated his commitment to international stability and peace.

Significantly, India and the European Union (EU) are working to ensure the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of this year. This week, the 13th round of talks on this agreement between the two sides in New Delhi is going on. India and the European Union resumed FTA negotiations in June 2022 after a gap of eight years.

Evaluation of bilateral strategic partnership
Leaders of India and European Union reviewed their bilateral strategic partnership in many areas such as investment, defense, security, space, science, mutual relations and cooperation against terrorism. Both sides reiterated the commitment to deepen the partnership under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29.

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PM Modi spoke on the phone with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, know what happened?

Admin — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:43:59 +0000

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni. He talked about strengthening friendly relations between India and Italy and hoped to end the war in Ukraine quickly. PM Modi thanked the Prime Minister of Italy that she is helping to complete the India-European Union Union Trade Agreement early and connect countries through IMEEC. The two leaders agreed to increase mutual cooperation.

PM Modi gave information on X
In the context of the conversation, PM Modi wrote on X- ‘There was a very good conversation with Prime Minister Georgia Meloni. We showed a shared interest in reiterating our joint commitment to further strengthening the Indo-Italy strategic partnership and ending the struggle in Ukraine as soon as possible. Thanks to Prime Minister Meloni for finalizing the India-European Union Union Trade Agreement and promoting Italy’s active cooperation in promoting connectivity through the IMEEC initiative.

Had an excellent conversation with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. We reaFFIFIFIRMED Our Joint Commitment to Deepen India-Italy Strategic Partnership, and Shared Interest in Bringing An Early End to the Conflict in Ukraine. Thanked PM Meloni for Italy’s Proactive Support for…

– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2025

Significantly, India has intensified the free trade agreement with many countries after 50% tariff of US President Donald Trump. The European Union (EU) team has reached Delhi on 8 September for trade talks. According to a report by news agency ANI, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will meet the EU trade commissioner on 12 September to review the progress on FTA.

India will benefit from trade agreement with EU
The new trade agreement with EU can prove to be very beneficial for India. The trade between India and EU in 2023-24 stood at $ 137.41 billion, and the new deal is expected to grow further. Apart from this, FTA along with Qatar will also benefit energy and petroleum sector. Experts believe that this step will strengthen India in a global supply chain, but protecting domestic industries will also be a challenge.

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