India and New Zealand Bolster Ties with Taj Mahal Tour and FTA Signing

Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay visited the Taj Mahal, a day before India and New Zealand are set to sign a historic Free Trade Agreement. This landmark deal aims to enhance bilateral ties and provide duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand, promoting economic growth.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay spent a morning touring the iconic Taj Mahal with their families, thanking the local administration for their hospitality. Their visit symbolizes deepening ties between the two nations on the eve of a significant economic agreement.

The ministers' visit comes just one day before India and New Zealand are set to officially sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a new era in bilateral economic relations. Minister Goyal emphasized the importance of the FTA, describing it as a critical milestone in strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

The FTA negotiations began in March 2025 and concluded by December 2025, setting a record for rapid conclusion. The agreement promises unprecedented duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand, addressing sensitive sectors and promoting resilience and inclusive growth. Officials hail this as a defining moment in reinforcing economic cooperation.