India has concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement with New Zealand, marking a significant step in its trade strategy. This pact, finalized after nine months of negotiations, follows a pattern of India building bilateral trade arrangements with all Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) members except China. India had previously withdrawn from RCEP in 2019 due to concerns about market access for farmers and small industries, particularly regarding potential impacts from Chinese imports. This new approach signifies a strategic shift in India's trade policy.