Agri tech is a ‘big part’ of FTA negotiations with India, says New Zealand Trade Minister McClay

Agricultural technology sharing and methods to increase output are a “big part” of the negotiations between New Zealand and India on a free trade agreement (FTA), New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay said on Wednesday (November 5, 2025).

India and New Zealand began the fourth round of negotiations towards an FTA on Monday (November 3), with the Indian team visiting Auckland until November 7. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also visited New Zealand on November 5 to discuss various issues with Mr. McClay.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal (left) along with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon (centre) and Trade Minister Todd McClay during an event in Auckland, New Zealand on November 5, 2025. Photo: X/@PiyushGoyal

Speaking to reporters in Auckland along with Mr. Goyal, Mr. McClay said that New Zealand has been innovating over the years and working with its farmers to find ways to produce more and to increase the farmers’ incomes.

“Prime Minister [Christopher] Luxon has directed me in our discussions and negotiations to make sure New Zealand does its part to help Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi meet his commitment to increasing the earnings of Indian farmers by 50% by 2030,” Mr. McClay said.

“So a lot of the science that we have developed here to help them produce more is available to us in cooperation with India and that’s been a big part of our discussion around the negotiation so far,” he added.

Negotiations with India regarding agriculture have been tricky as the Indian government has been steadfast in protecting the interests of its farmers. This has been a speed bump in negotiations with the U.S., European Union, and even the United Kingdom.

“It’s fair to say that on both sides, there are always challenges in a trade negotiation,” Mr. McClay acknowledged. “What Minister [Piyush] Goyal and I have agreed is that rather than our negotiators arguing, we will find solutions together. And so far, I think we’ve made great progress.”

Neither Minister was forthcoming about a deadline by which the deal would be finalised.

“I don’t think we ever discuss deadlines,” Mr. Goyal said. “Every agreement stands on its own legs and every agreement is important. Every agreement is pillared based on the situation in each country and every agreement will happen at the right time.”

“There never has been a timeframe for any free trade agreement that we have negotiated,” Mr. Goyal asserted.

Joining the two Trade Ministers mid-way through the press interaction, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that there’s a “huge amount of opportunity” for India and New Zealand to deepen their defence and security ties.

“In 2025, there is no way that we can have prosperity for India and New Zealand without having stability and security as well,” he said. “The two go hand-in-hand.”

“That’s why having like-minded countries like India and New Zealand that actually want to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region is very, very critical,” Mr. Luxon said, adding “And I’m very proud of the working relationship between our two militaries and the work that they’ve already done over the last 12 months on some joint exercises. And we look forward to that continuing to deepen.”