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ISSUE
Friday, March 27, 2026
Volume 17 . Issue 12
A visit to New Zealand by PM Narendra Modi is expected in the near future, with a proposed India–New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA) likely to be one of the central outcomes. The exact dates of the trip have not yet been confirmed.
Momentum for the visit picked up following bilateral discussions between Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay on the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14).
According to a Ministry of Commerce & Industry press statement released 29 March, during their meeting, both sides assessed preparations for the prime minister’s visit.
Expressing high enthusiasm for this visit, New Zealand confirmed that a substantial list of deliverables are currently being finalised by both sides for this visit. To further strengthen economic ties, New Zealand will be hosting a high-level business delegation during the Prime Minister Modi’s visit," the statement read.
New Zealand conveyed strong interest in advancing ties and indicated that a significant set of deliverables is currently being finalised. A high-level business delegation is also expected to accompany PM Modi, underlining a broader push to strengthen economic cooperation, NDTV has reported.
The ministers reviewed progress on the recently concluded India–New Zealand FTA and discussed opportunities to expand collaboration in sectors such as agriculture and sports. Among the ideas explored were initiatives to train Indian farmers in kiwi and apple cultivation, reflecting an effort to build practical partnerships alongside the formal agreement.
On multilateral matters, India reiterated its position at the World Trade Organization, calling for a member-driven approach to reform. Goyal emphasised that the General Council should steer these efforts and highlighted the need for clarity and follow-through on existing commitments to preserve the WTO’s credibility, NDTV reported.
A productive interaction with Mr. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand, during engagements at #WTOMC14.
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) March 27, 2026
Exchanged views on the progress of the MC14 agenda and reviewed ongoing work towards the signing of the recently concluded India-New Zealand FTA. Also… pic.twitter.com/TpS8V5W81k
Talks also addressed contentious issues, including the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions and the proposed Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement. New Zealand acknowledged India’s concerns and encouraged deeper engagement among members to sustain constructive negotiations and support the WTO’s functioning amid global challenges.
In parallel, Rajesh Agrawal held discussions with his New Zealand counterpart Vangelis Vitalis on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, further advancing bilateral engagement ahead of the anticipated visit.
A visit to New Zealand by PM Narendra Modi is expected in the near future, with a proposed India–New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA) likely to be one of the central outcomes. The exact dates of the trip have not yet been confirmed.
Momentum for the visit picked up following bilateral...
A visit to New Zealand by PM Narendra Modi is expected in the near future, with a proposed India–New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA) likely to be one of the central outcomes. The exact dates of the trip have not yet been confirmed.
Momentum for the visit picked up following bilateral discussions between Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay on the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14).
According to a Ministry of Commerce & Industry press statement released 29 March, during their meeting, both sides assessed preparations for the prime minister’s visit.
Expressing high enthusiasm for this visit, New Zealand confirmed that a substantial list of deliverables are currently being finalised by both sides for this visit. To further strengthen economic ties, New Zealand will be hosting a high-level business delegation during the Prime Minister Modi’s visit," the statement read.
New Zealand conveyed strong interest in advancing ties and indicated that a significant set of deliverables is currently being finalised. A high-level business delegation is also expected to accompany PM Modi, underlining a broader push to strengthen economic cooperation, NDTV has reported.
The ministers reviewed progress on the recently concluded India–New Zealand FTA and discussed opportunities to expand collaboration in sectors such as agriculture and sports. Among the ideas explored were initiatives to train Indian farmers in kiwi and apple cultivation, reflecting an effort to build practical partnerships alongside the formal agreement.
On multilateral matters, India reiterated its position at the World Trade Organization, calling for a member-driven approach to reform. Goyal emphasised that the General Council should steer these efforts and highlighted the need for clarity and follow-through on existing commitments to preserve the WTO’s credibility, NDTV reported.
A productive interaction with Mr. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand, during engagements at #WTOMC14.
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) March 27, 2026
Exchanged views on the progress of the MC14 agenda and reviewed ongoing work towards the signing of the recently concluded India-New Zealand FTA. Also… pic.twitter.com/TpS8V5W81k
Talks also addressed contentious issues, including the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions and the proposed Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement. New Zealand acknowledged India’s concerns and encouraged deeper engagement among members to sustain constructive negotiations and support the WTO’s functioning amid global challenges.
In parallel, Rajesh Agrawal held discussions with his New Zealand counterpart Vangelis Vitalis on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, further advancing bilateral engagement ahead of the anticipated visit.
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