India, New Zealand Relaunch Free Trade Talks After Decade

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met in New Delhi to strengthen defense and economic ties, coinciding with the revival of free trade agreement negotiations that had stalled for over a decade. Both leaders signed agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including defense, food processing, and renewable energy. Luxon described the restart of trade talks as a 'major breakthrough' that will significantly benefit New Zealand's exports, particularly with the potential to double their value in the next ten years. With bilateral trade currently valued under $2 billion, the renewed negotiations reflect India's increasing openness to engaging in free trade agreements and its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region. The two nations aim to prepare a roadmap for cooperation in defense industries alongside the trade discussions. Luxon's high-level delegation emphasizes the significance of this visit in deepening multifaceted ties between India and New Zealand.