India, Dec. 22 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephone conversation with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, during which the two leaders jointly announced the conclusion of a landmark India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, further expanding India's rapidly growing network of trade partnerships.

Negotiations for the agreement were initiated during Prime Minister Luxon's visit to India in March 2025 and concluded in a record nine months.

The leaders said the pace of negotiations reflected strong political will and shared strategic intent to deepen bilateral ties.

Officials told this newspaper that the FTA is expected to significantly enhance market access, promote investment flows, strengthen strategic coop...