Auckland, July 11 -- The ratification process for the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has already begun in New Zealand, with the first parliamentary reading completed, though there is no fixed timeline for its implementation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday.

Addressing a special media briefing during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to New Zealand, Secretary (East) in the MEA, Rudrendra Tandon, said New Zealand had assured India that the agreement enjoys bipartisan political support and that the ratification process would move forward swiftly.

"So, regarding the question about FTA, as far as the FTA is concerned, their ratification process has already started. The first reading has alrea...