India has scored another major trade victory by concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand, marking its third major free-trade deal this year and reinforcing its push to deepen global economic engagement.
The India–New Zealand FTA, finalised after months of negotiations, is expected to eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs on nearly 95 percent of goods traded between the two countries. The agreement aims to double bilateral trade within the next five years, opening new growth avenues for exporters, investors, and service providers on both sides.
For India, the pact offers zero-duty market access for key export sectors such as textiles, leather, engineering goods, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and other labour-intensive products. New Zealand exporters, in turn, will gain improved access to the vast Indian market for products including horticulture, dairy-related items, wool, wood, and agricultural goods.
Beyond goods trade, the agreement strengthens cooperation in services, investment, education, and skilled mobility. New Zealand has also signalled long-term investment commitments in India, underscoring growing confidence in the Indian economy.
The FTA with New Zealand follows India’s recent trade agreements with other key partners this year, highlighting New Delhi’s broader strategy to diversify export markets, reduce trade barriers, and integrate more deeply into global supply chains amid a volatile global trade environment.
Officials from both countries have described the deal as a strategic breakthrough, with formal signing and implementation expected after legal vetting and domestic approvals. The agreement is seen as a win-win pact that could reshape economic ties between India and the Pacific nation while boosting jobs, exports, and long-term growth.
