India and New Zealand sign a major free trade deal

On April 27, 2026, India and New Zealand officially signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in New Delhi, signaling a major boost for their economic ties.

This comprehensive deal aims to double bilateral trade to US$5 billion within five years.

A key highlight is the complete elimination of duties on all Indian exports to New Zealand, while New Zealand gains significant tariff reductions on 95% of its goods, including forestry and wool.

The agreement also pledges US$20 billion in New Zealand investments toward India over the next two decades.

A notable feature is a new visa pathway allowing up to 5,000 Indian professionals to work in New Zealand annually.

While sectors like dairy remain protected in India, the deal marks a historic turnaround after years of stalled negotiations.

For New Zealand, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to tap into India’s vast, growing market, which is expected to have 700 million middle-class consumers by 2030.

This rapid success showcases both nations' commitment to strengthening their global trade networks and long-term economic collaboration.