India, Sept. 17 -- New Zealand's Parliament on Wednesday approved legislation to implement its free trade agreement (FTA) with India, bringing the pact closer to taking effect. The bill passed 93-29, with lawmakers from the ruling National Party, opposition Labour Party and ACT New Zealand voting in favour.

Commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal said India was working to bring the pact into force "as soon as possible", with officials indicating it could become operational in the second half of October.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the agreement as a "once-in-a-generation" deal that will open access to India's 1.4 billion consumers while supporting more jobs and higher incomes for New Zealanders. "People told me a fr...