India and New Zealand Sign Major Free Trade Agreement

On April 27, 2026, India and New Zealand officially signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in New Delhi.

Negotiations were impressively swift, concluding in just nine months.

The agreement offers India near-total duty-free access to the New Zealand market, benefiting sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and engineering.

Conversely, India has granted tariff reductions on 95% of New Zealand's current exports, boosting trade in agricultural products like apples, kiwifruit, and wool.

Beyond goods, the deal features a significant $20 billion investment commitment from New Zealand into India over the next 15 years.

Strategically, this pact helps India diversify its trade, while it supports New Zealand's goal to double its export value by accessing a rapidly growing economy.

While signed, the agreement must now undergo a parliamentary examination and public consultation process in New Zealand, which is expected to take at least six months before full ratification.