Shashi Tharoor, the articulate Congress MP, has lauded New Zealand’s Labour Party for throwing its weight behind the NZ-India Free Trade Agreement, terming it a seismic shift in bilateral relations. This endorsement comes at a critical juncture, salvaging the deal from coalition infighting.
The comprehensive FTA, sealed last month after protracted talks starting March 16, 2025, heralds a new era of prosperity. Posting on X, Tharoor explained how Labour’s stance counters New Zealand First’s opposition, utilizing an ‘agree to disagree’ provision to keep momentum alive.
Echoing Labour’s rationale, Tharoor pointed to the imperative of engaging India’s booming economy. Dairy concerns linger due to exclusions, but gains in education, IT, and wine exports make it worthwhile, they contend.
National’s strategic concessions—a one-year review for dairy and environmental adjustments—clinched the deal. The bill now advances through committees, eyeing ratification in early 2026 with cross-party super-majority.
Tharoor anticipates trade ignition by December, hailing the pact’s outsized impact. Beyond tariff-free Indian goods (100% coverage), it locks in $20 billion investments over 15 years, cementing economic and geopolitical bonds.
In a world of shifting alliances, this FTA exemplifies India’s savvy in expanding trade avenues, positioning it as a proactive player in Indo-Pacific dynamics.