NewzVille Desk
In a major step forward for trade and economic partnership, the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), is going to enter into force on 20th October 2026.
The FTA was signed on 27th April 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India and New Zealand have continued to deepen and expand their engagement.
From the entry into force, every single tariff line covering 100% of India’s exports to New Zealand becomes duty-free, offering Indian industry a level playing field that puts it on par with New Zealand’s other trading partners.
Sectors that power livelihoods across the country textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and processed foods – stand to gain immediately as New Zealand’s peak tariffs of up to 10% are eliminated. Indian manufacturers will also benefit from tariff-free access to critical inputs such as wooden logs, coking coal and metal scrap, sharpening their competitive edge in global markets.
The FTA also sets the stage for deeper investment gains for India, with New Zealand’s commitment to facilitate USD 20 billion in investment into India. This investment by New Zealand will benefit Indian agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure and start-ups.
Anchored in the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the Agreement stands as another testament to India’s growing network of partnerships with developed economies – one that places farmers, women, youth, artisans and MSMEs at the very heart of its gains.
