New Zealand Passes Landmark India Free Trade Deal Despite Opposition

The India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Legislation Amendment Bill has passed through Parliament's three final stages, paving the way for a landmark agreement between New Zealand and India. The bill was debated under urgency, with unusual political alliances forming in support of or opposition to the deal.

National, ACT, and Labour voted together in favour of the bill, with Trade Minister Todd McClay saying it would be 'good for our economy, good for our exporters, and good for New Zealand'. He highlighted the benefits of reduced tariffs and increased trade opportunities for industries such as kiwifruit, sheep meat, wool, coal, forest goods, fish and seafood, and Mānuka honey.

New Zealand First and the Green Party voted against the bill, with concerns over the potential impact on workers in India. New Zealand First was also opposed to increased immigration, while the Greens were worried about the 'tsunami of butter' that could flood India's dairy sector.