New Delhi, Sept. 16 -- New Zealand's Parliament passed legislation on Wednesday to implement its free trade agreement (FTA) with India by a 93-29 vote, bringing the landmark pact closer to implementation. 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.

The parliamentary vote gives the agreement strong backing, with lawmakers from the ruling National Party, opposition Labour Party and ACT New Zealand voting in favour of it. The official parliamentary record shows 93 votes in favour and 29 against at the second-reading stage.

Luxon welcomed the vote, saying the agreement would c...