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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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.

India has achieved another major diplomatic success on the global trade front. The joint announcement of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was made during a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. This agreement will not only give a new height to the economic relations between the two countries, but also strengthens India’s alternative global partnerships in the era of America’s protectionist trade policies.

Historic agreement completed in 9 months
Negotiations on FTA between India and New Zealand started in March 2025, when Prime Minister Lakson visited India. The completion of this free trade agreement in a record time of just 9 months reflects the political will and strategic understanding of both the countries.

Target to double business in five years
Both leaders agreed that after the implementation of the FTA, the existing bilateral trade will be doubled in the next five years. This will give new impetus to trade, investment, innovation and supply chain cooperation between India and New Zealand.

20 million dollar investment in India in 15 years
Under this agreement, New Zealand will invest 20 million dollars in India in the next 15 years. This investment will create opportunities in sectors like agriculture, dairy, food processing, education, technology and startups.

India’s seventh biggest FTA, global network strengthened
This agreement with New Zealand is India’s seventh major FTA in the last few years. Earlier, India has made such agreements with Oman, UAE, UK, Australia, Mauritius and EFTA countries (European Free Trade Bloc). This series shows that India is rapidly emerging as a reliable global trade hub.

Amid delays in the US-India tariff agreement, India is adopting a China-style export diversification strategy. After finalizing a trade deal with Oman, India is now in the final stages of negotiations with the European Union, its second-largest apparel export market. Currently, Indian apparel exports face 8–12% import duties in the EU, unlike Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Turkey. Amidst the delay in US-India Tariff Agreement, India is now working on Export Diversification Strategy like China. After the Trade Agreement with Oman, negotiations with EU are now in the final stages. EU is India’s second largest Apparel Export Market, where currently 8–12% Import Duty is imposed on Indian Products. Countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam and Turkey do not have to pay this fee.

US President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration may consider imposing new tariffs on foreign agricultural products, including Indian rice and Canadian fertilizers. Trump made this statement in a meeting held at the White House, where farmers complained about the impact on the American market due to cheap foreign products. This meeting was organized during the $12 billion relief package announced for American farmers.

American farmers troubled by foreign cheap rice
The farmers present in the meeting alleged that some countries are selling rice at low prices in the American market, causing huge losses to domestic farmers. On this Trump said, ‘They are cheating.’ He indicated that these allegations would be investigated and if necessary, tariffs would be imposed.

Merrill Kennedy, CEO of Louisiana’s Kennedy Rice Mill, claimed that India, Thailand and China are the main countries of this alleged dumping. He said that China is sending large quantities of rice, especially to Puerto Rico where the supply of American rice has almost stopped. Kennedy said, ‘We have not sent rice there for years. Farmers are badly affected in the southern states.

The tariffs are working, but…
Merrill Kennedy said at the meeting that the tariffs are proving effective, but they need to be more stringent. Trump expressed surprise at this and said, ‘You want more?’ But he agreed that if any country is dumping then action will be taken against it.

Trump instructed US Finance Minister Scott Besant, who was present at the meeting, to note down the list of countries mentioned by the farmers. When the farmers started giving information about the Indian subsidy policy, Trump interrupted and said, ‘First tell me the names of the countries… India, who else?’

Besant cited India, Thailand and China as the main sources and said that more countries may be included in the list, details of which will be given later. Trump assured that ‘action will be taken very soon’ on this matter.

Canadian fertilizers also on target
During the discussion, Trump indicated that heavy duty could also be imposed on fertilizers coming from Canada so that domestic production could be promoted. According to Bloomberg report, both India and Canada are trying to make trade deals with the US, but there has been little progress in these talks in recent months. In August, the Trump administration imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian products, saying India had erected barriers to the US market and continued buying oil from Russia.

India-US trade talks on 10–11 December
A senior US delegation led by Rick Switzer, deputy head of the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), will resume trade talks with India this week. Both sides will discuss many important issues on 10 and 11 December and try to take forward the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal will lead the talks from the Indian side. He said that India is trying to finalize the first phase of the agreement by the end of this year. Speaking at FICCI’s annual meeting on November 28, Aggarwal said, ‘I am confident that we will complete the agreement within this calendar year.’

Union Commerce and Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said that India is in the advanced stage of negotiations with both the European Union and America for trade agreements. He said that talks with both regarding trade are now in their final stages.

America has imposed a penalty of 25 percent on India for purchasing oil from Russia. This is in addition to the 25 percent reciprocal duty on Indian goods entering the US markets. Overall, 50 percent additional import tariff is being imposed on Indian goods in America. New Delhi has called these tariffs unfair and imprudent.

‘Negotiations completed on 10 points with EU’

Speaking at an event in The Economic Times, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India and the European Union (EU) have completed negotiations on 10 out of 20 points of the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), while an agreement has been reached in principle on the other 4-5 points. Trade negotiators from both sides will meet next week. Then sensitive issues including trade barriers on steel and automobiles will be resolved. His aim is to complete negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) by December.

EU Trade Commissioner will visit India in late November

Piyush Goyal said India hopes to achieve another breakthrough during the visit of the EU Trade Commissioner to India in late November and both sides are moving forward recognizing mutual sensitivities and strengths as they work to address shortcomings in other areas of the agreement.

Goyal had gone to Brussels recently

Let us tell you that Piyush Goyal was on a visit to Brussels from 26 to 28 October, where he met European Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Shefkovic on the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reached India on Wednesday (October 8, 2025) on a two-day visit. Earlier, during the plane journey, he had shared a funny incident on his Instagram. In which he is telling the passengers that your Prime Minister is in the cockpit. No, this is not an air safety announcement.

Keir Starmer said these things while greeting the passengers on British Airways flight 9100 to Mumbai. Let us tell you that Starmer is running Britain’s biggest ever trade mission in India. He said that it is really wonderful to have all of you with us. I look forward to working with you as we explore all the opportunities in our new free trade agreement.

Reached India with more than 125 businessmen and officials
Starmer’s mid-air message to more than 125 businessmen and officials was not just about cabin camaraderie but was also a symbolic start to what London hopes will be a major economic partnership with New Delhi.

On the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the British PM has arrived on a two-day visit to India. During this visit, both the leaders will take stock of the progress made in all aspects of the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership in line with Vision 2035. Let us tell you that India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been signed in July 2025.

what is fta
The focus of the Modi-Starmer bilateral talks will be on the opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), better known as the FTA, which will remove tariffs on more than 90 per cent of goods once approved by the UK Parliament.

Heald, Chairman of the UK India Business Council (UKIBC), said that the UK-India Corridor is one of the most promising economic relationships globally and we look forward to supporting growth based on innovation, opportunity and mutual ambition. Heald will also address a session on small and medium enterprises in India.

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Here America is giving tension, on the other side British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reached Mumbai with good news, know how India will benefit.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reached India on Wednesday (October 8, 2025) on a two-day visit. Earlier, during the plane journey, he had shared a funny incident on his Instagram. In which he is telling the passengers that your Prime Minister is in the cockpit. No, this is not an air safety announcement.

Keir Starmer said these things while greeting the passengers on British Airways flight 9100 to Mumbai. Let us tell you that Starmer is running Britain’s biggest ever trade mission in India. He said that it is really wonderful to have all of you with us. I look forward to working with you as we explore all the opportunities in our new free trade agreement.

Reached India with more than 125 businessmen and officials
Starmer’s mid-air message to more than 125 businessmen and officials was not just about cabin camaraderie but was also a symbolic start to what London hopes will be a major economic partnership with New Delhi.

On the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the British PM has arrived on a two-day visit to India. During this visit, both the leaders will take stock of the progress made in all aspects of the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership in line with Vision 2035. Let us tell you that India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been signed in July 2025.

what is fta
The focus of the Modi-Starmer bilateral talks will be on the opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), better known as the FTA, which will remove tariffs on more than 90 per cent of goods once approved by the UK Parliament.

Heald, Chairman of the UK India Business Council (UKIBC), said that the UK-India Corridor is one of the most promising economic relationships globally and we look forward to supporting growth based on innovation, opportunity and mutual ambition. Heald will also address a session on small and medium enterprises in India.

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Here America is giving tension, on the other side British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reached Mumbai with good news, know how India will benefit.

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.

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.