The long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand is in its final stages of negotiation, with both nations expressing optimism about an early conclusion. After six extensive rounds of talks, officials are now conducting a final review of the core issues. According to sources familiar with the matter, the review meeting was extended by over two hours to iron out a few remaining “sticky" subjects, including sensitive matters related to agriculture and dairy.

New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay described the progress as “lots done, a little bit still to go," while India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that the two sides “will finalise the FTA very soon." The final announcement, sources suggest, could be made in India following approval

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