Christopher Luxon has travelled to Auckland to meet with the visiting Indian minister. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The prime minister remains confident a trade deal will be struck with India by the end of the Parliamentary term, as India's trade minister arrives in New Zealand for more talks.
Piyush Goyal has made his first official visit to New Zealand for further free trade agreement negotiations with his New Zealand counterpart Todd McClay.
Christopher Luxon skipped Question Time on Wednesday, to fly to Auckland for a meeting with Goyal.
Speaking at Parliament before heading to the airport, Luxon said it was important he meet with Goyal.
"The fact that he's come down to New Zealand is a really big sign of the conversation, the progress that we're making, and it's a really important relationship for New Zealand so it's important I spend some time with him."
Goyal's visit marks the fourth round of talks.
The two countries agreed to start negotiations in March, as Luxon and McClay visited India.
Before the election, National promised to get a free trade deal done within its first term in government.
India's Minister of Trade Piyush Goyal is visiting New Zealand this week. Photo: AFP
Luxon said he and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, as well as McClay and Goyal were all "deeply committed" to getting a deal done.
He dismissed questions that his absence from Question Time and involvement in the talks was a sign the negotiations were not going well.
"No no, they are going well. They are tough, as you would expect, and quite reasonably so, but there is massive commitment," Luxon said.
"As a prime minister, when we've got a lot invested in it as well, it's not unhelpful that I'm there as well, just to say hello and build that relationship."
Luxon's absence meant he would only appear once this week.
Prime ministers are rarely in the House on Thursdays, meaning Tuesday was the only opportunity for the opposition to ask him questions.
Going into the House, Labour leader Chris Hipkins appeared taken aback when informed of Luxon's absence.
"Prime ministers, ministers have an important responsibility to be accountable. I think being at Parliament for one hour, twice a week, isn't too much to ask."
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