New Delhi, Nov. 6 -- India reaffirmed its stance on safeguarding sensitive domestic sectors during free trade negotiations, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stating that the country "consistently protects the interests of its vulnerable sectors" in free trade agreements (FTAs).

Speaking in Auckland on Wednesday, Goyal noted significant progress in ongoing talks with New Zealand.

New Zealand has been seeking wider access to India's agricultural market, particularly for dairy and alcoholic beverages such as wine. India has repeatedly identified dairy products - including milk and butter - as a 'red line' due to political and livelihood sensitivities.

"India never compromises on the interests of dairy, farmers and MSMEs. W...