Luxon Calls India Free Trade Agreement a Historic Step
Wellington, New Zealand | December 27, 2025
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has praised the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, describing it as a historic achievement for his government and a crucial step toward shaping the country’s economic future. His remarks come despite earlier objections raised by his own foreign minister regarding the agreement.
Luxon said the trade pact fulfilled a key promise made during his first term and reflected his government’s long-term economic vision.
🗣️ Access to India’s Market Key to Growth: Luxon
“We committed in our first term to signing a free trade agreement with India, and we have delivered,” Luxon said. He emphasized that access to India’s 1.4 billion-strong market would lead to more jobs, higher incomes, and stronger export growth for New Zealand businesses.
The prime minister added that the agreement is part of his government’s broader agenda focused on fixing core economic challenges while laying the foundation for future growth.
⚠️ Foreign Minister Had Voiced Strong Objections
The trade agreement has also attracted attention due to public criticism from New Zealand’s foreign minister, who had earlier raised strong objections to the deal. The disagreement highlighted differences within the government, even as Luxon continues to defend the pact as a strategic and economic necessity.
📈 Big Opportunity for Indian Exporters
The India–New Zealand FTA is expected to open new growth opportunities for Indian exporters, particularly in textiles, marine products, engineering goods, and MSMEs.
With tariffs reduced in the New Zealand market, demand for Indian products is likely to increase, allowing Indian industries to strengthen their presence in global markets. The agreement is also expected to support job creation, delivering broader benefits to the Indian economy.
