New Zealand is expected to complete the ratification of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in April by the end of September, paving the way for the deal to come into force before the end of 2026. Direct flights between India and New Zealand are also expected to begin within the next couple of years to further strengthen bilateral trade, investment and people-to-people ties, Trade Minister Todd McClay told Prasanta Sahu in an interview at Wellington.