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The Conversation
The Conversation
Rahul Sen, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics and Finance, Auckland University of Technology

Labour-National standoff aside, the India-NZ trade deal is a blueprint for real growth

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in New Delhi, 2025 Chandradeep Kumar/ The India Today Group via Getty Images

In an increasingly uncertain world, where the global balance of power is tilting toward Asia, a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with India promises access to a booming market and “southern anchor of stability” in the Indo-Pacific region.

But there is devil in the detail, with coalition partner NZ First opposing the deal, meaning the government needs Labour’s support – conditional on several demands being met – to get it over the line.

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