India, New Zealand revive free trade talks as Luxon pushes for stronger economic ties
The move is expected to open new avenues for cooperation, boosting trade, investment, and overall economic collaboration.
Prime Minister Luxon has repeatedly emphasised India’s importance as a growing economic and strategic power, underlining the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Ahead of his visit, he told New Zealand media that the “real commitment” was to deepen trade relationships.
“We’re going to do everything we can to push trade really, really hard,” Luxon stated.
India currently accounts for only 1.5 per cent of New Zealand’s exports, totalling USD 1.5 billion, with overall two-way trade between the two nations reaching USD 3.1 billion. Luxon has raised concerns over this figure, contrasting it with the nearly USD 40 billion in two-way trade New Zealand shares with China.
Strategically, India also serves as a counterbalance to China’s growing assertiveness in the region. There is significant potential for enhanced interoperability between the two nations, particularly with India operating the P-8 Poseidon aircraft. Joint training and maritime exercises are likely to be announced during the visit, further strengthening cooperation.
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