New Delhi, Nov. 3 -- India and New Zealand on Monday opened their fourth round of negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA), as the two countries look to deepen economic ties and strengthen their strategic partnership, the commerce ministry said in a statement.

The talks, which are taking place in Auckland from 3 to 7 November, mark a renewed effort to craft a "balanced, comprehensive and mutually beneficial" deal after months of technical discussions, the ministry said.

The latest round builds on the momentum created by New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon's visit to India in March, during which India's prime minister Narendra Modi underscored the need for stronger trade engagement.

The FTA talks were formally lau...