Letters to The Editor — April 29, 2026

The New Zealand FTA

India’s strategy of “friendship diversification” is necessary for safeguarding against global supply chain volatility, especially after experiencing U.S. President Donald Trump’s overwhelming friendship, which brought our labour-intensive industries to their knees. The New Zealand FTA serves as a masterclass in “defensive liberalisation”. While New Zealand is a powerhouse in dairy and horticulture, India has successfully ring-fenced its sensitive dairy sector, which is non-negotiable for rural livelihood security. The FTA should be viewed not as a primary market for volume, but as a chance to engage with a quality and technology partner.