India and NZ PMs Meet, but No Sign of a Free Trade Deal

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon finally had his long-awaited meeting with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Laos. He emerged with an invitation to New Delhi but seemingly no closer to the free trade agreement the Pacific nation has long sought. While Modi made some opening remarks in front of the media contingent, they were told to leave before he had finished, and Luxon had a chance to reply. Speaking in Hindi, Modi offered Luxon “a very warm welcome,” noting it was their first in-person meeting. The pair had previously spoken by phone in July....