Trade Minister Todd McClay says a government delegation has landed in New Delhi to kick-start free trade negotiations.
Following significant remote engagement over the past month, the first in-person round of negotiations towards a comprehensive India-New Zealand free trade agreement will take place in India this week.
"This is an important step in our trade relationship with India and signals the two governments' intent to deliver a high-quality outcome that benefits both countries," McClay said.
"With a population of 1.4 billion and a GDP estimated to grow to US$5.2 trillion by 2030, India offers significant opportunity for New Zealand exporters," McClay said.
"Strengthening ties with India across the board is a key part of the Government's broader strategy to diversify and grow New Zealand's export markets and double trade by value in 10 years."
The announcement follows Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's trip to India in March, with both countries agreeing to restart free trade negotiations a decade after earlier talks stalled.
Luxon hailed it as a "great win for New Zealand" at the time.
The prime minister promised during a 2023 election debate that his administration would sign a free trade agreement with India in its first term.
In all, more than 30 agreements were signed during Luxon's four-day visit, including deals on sports and horticulture cooperation, code-sharing partnerships between airlines and further collaboration in the education sector.
The previous negotiations, which took place between 2011 and 2015, were hindered by obstacles, particularly around New Zealand's dairy exports.
Talks ended after India joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which the South Asian nation later exited in 2019.
After returning from India in March, McClay called for public submissions on free-trade negotiations.
Several industry organisations such as the NZ Timber Industry Federation and Export NZ made submissions before the 15 April deadline, indicating strong support to the proposed free trade deal.
Luxon is expected to deliver a keynote speech at an event organised by the India New Zealand Business Council in Auckland on Friday.
Titled "INZBC Boardroom to Border Dialogue 2025", the event will be attended by Indian minister of state for external affairs Pabitra Margherita.
"[The event] focussed on the strategic, economic and regional opportunities India presents today," organisers said.
