India-New Zealand FTA Set for October 20 Launch
India and New Zealand are set to take their trade partnership to the next level as the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement comes into force on October 20, 2026. The pact was signed on April 27, and provides for duty-free access to all of India's exports to New Zealand.
The agreement will also facilitate significant investments of USD 20 billion over the next 15 years from New Zealand to India, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. The pact establishes an agricultural productivity partnership whereby New Zealand's technology will meet India's scale and growing demand.
For New Zealand, the agreement provides preferential access to the large and fastest-growing economy in the world, Goyal added. He also noted that sensitive sectors such as dairy, onions, chickpeas, peas, corn, almonds, artificial honey, and sugar have been kept out of the trade deal.
The minister emphasized the importance of ensuring that the provisions of the agreement translate into tangible benefits for businesses and people in both countries. New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said that this is a high-quality agreement that will deliver significant benefits for citizens of both countries, giving confidence to business communities during times of global economic uncertainty.