INZBC ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM, FOCUS SHIFTS TO FTA IMPLEMENTATION
Updated: 8 hours ago
16 September 2026
The India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) has announced the results of its Board elections, with Bharat Chawla, Sameer Handa and Sakthi Ranganathan elected to the Board for the 2026–2029 term.
Sameer Handa and Sakthi Ranganathan joined the Board as new members, while Bharat Chawla was re-elected for a further term. Following the election, the Board confirmed its office bearers:
Chair: Bharat Chawla
Deputy Chair: Tony Martin
Treasurer: Sumant Khedkar
Mr Chawla is a former Chair of INZBC and an experienced international business leader with more than two decades of experience across education, trade and market development. He has been a member of the Council for the past decade and has played a longstanding role in strengthening commercial and educational links between India and New Zealand.
The appointments come at a significant time in the India-New Zealand relationship, following the entry into force of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and increased engagement between businesses, governments and institutions in both countries.
Incoming Chair Bharat Chawla said the next phase of the relationship is about businesses turning the opportunities created by the agreement into commercial outcomes.
"We've spent many years building towards this moment. The FTA give us the tools but the real work starts now. Success will be measured by the partnerships formed, the investment attracted and the businesses that grow because they're working more closely with counterparts in India and New Zealand.
"India is one of the world's fastest-growing major economies and New Zealand has strengths that are highly valued in that market. INZBC's role is to help businesses navigate opportunities, make connections, share experience and build the trusted relationships that underpin long-term success.
"We have strong momentum in the relationship. Our focus now is ensuring members are well positioned to turn that momentum into practical outcomes."
Mr Chawla also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Chair Edwin Paul.
"Edwin has provided strong leadership during an important period for both the Council and the wider bilateral relationship. Under his leadership, INZBC continued to advocate for a closer economic partnership between India and New Zealand, supported business engagement on both sides of the relationship and played a constructive role during the period leading up to the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement.
"He also championed initiatives such as the development of the Christchurch-Chennai sister city relationship, helping create new connections between our communities and institutions. On behalf of the Board, I thank Edwin for his commitment and contribution."
The Council says the year ahead will focus on helping businesses understand and access opportunities created by the FTA, strengthening commercial links between sectors and supporting greater trade and investment between the two countries.
INZBC will continue working closely with governments, trade agencies, chambers of commerce and industry organisations to support bilateral trade and investment.
Further information
About INZBC - Established in 1988, the India New Zealand Business Council is New Zealand's leading organisation dedicated to supporting trade, investment and business relationships between India and New Zealand. INZBC works with businesses, government agencies and industry partners in both countries to strengthen bilateral economic engagement and create commercial opportunities for its members.
Sameer Handa is a former Chair of INZBC and brings extensive experience in New Zealand–India business engagement. Having served on the Council for several years, he has strongly advocated expanding trade and commercial connections between the two countries and sees significant opportunities arising from the Free Trade Agreement.
Sakthi Ranganathan is a New Zealand-based entrepreneur working in deep technology and innovation. He brings experience across technology, research, education, industry and government, with a particular interest in strengthening collaboration in science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship between India and New Zealand
ENDS
Media enquiries: Sunil Kaushal
CEO, India New Zealand Business Council
021 280 4189
