Peters, leader of coalition partner New Zealand First, invoked the "agree to disagree" clause and vowed his party would oppose ratifying legislation in Parliament.
In a detailed X post on December 22, Peters argued the pact—announced after a phone call between Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Narendra Modi—fully opens New Zealand markets to Indian goods while leaving high tariffs on core dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter untouched.
These items represent 30% of New Zealand's global exports, worth billions annually
He accused the lead negotiator, National Party, of rushing a "low-quality" agreement for political points instead of extending talks for better terms.
Peters highlighted migration provisions, including a new India-specific employment visa, as excessive—offering greater per-capita labour market access than Australia or the UK secured in their deals with India.
The deal grants all Indian exports zero-duty entry to New Zealand, while providing phased concessions on 95% of Kiwi exports to India.
India protected sensitive sectors like dairy entirely.
Despite the rift, Peters reaffirmed commitment to bilateral ties, noting his early visits to India and respect for External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, to whom he conveyed his party's stance directly.
The agreement, India's third in 2025, aims to double trade in five years and attract $20 billion in New Zealand investment.
Formal signing is expected early 2026.
