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yesterday

India and New Zealand report breakthrough in free trade talks, bolster defense cooperation

Officials say it marks critical progress toward a pact that would lower tariffs, boost dairy exports, deepen defense ties in the Indo-Pacific.

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External affairs minister S Jaishankar and New Zealand’s deputy prime minister Winston Peters (@DrSJaishankar)
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Overview

  • Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters described ongoing negotiations as a “breakthrough,” noting talks now carry “real meaning” despite no timeline for signing.
  • Disagreements over dairy tariffs remain the chief hurdle, with New Zealand offering its expertise to help boost India’s dairy productivity to address rising food security needs.
  • Bilateral trade in goods and services stood at $1.7 billion in 2023–24, with India ranked as New Zealand’s 12th-largest trade partner.
  • The two governments are formalizing defense links, including joint participation in Combined Task Force 150 to safeguard key shipping lanes and counter terrorism and piracy.
  • Talks are unfolding in a context of global trade tensions and growing concerns about Chinese influence in the Pacific, as both nations seek a free and open Indo-Pacific.