India–New Zealand FTA Hits Roadblock As Coalition Partner Opposes Deal

A fresh political twist has emerged in the proposed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, with New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters opposing the deal. His party, New Zealand First Party, part of the ruling coalition, argues the FTA gives away too much on immigration while offering limited gains in sensitive sectors like dairy. At the same time, India has maintained a firm stand on protecting domestic agriculture, a position repeatedly articulated by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The proposed pact includes a limited, quota-based agri action plan covering kiwis, premium honey and apples. As India advances its seventh FTA under the Modi government, political resistance in New Zealand could influence timelines and negotiations ahead.