India welcomes the passage of legislation by the New Zealand Parliament on September 16, 2026, to implement the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was originally signed in New Delhi on April 27, 2026. This legislative action represents a critical step toward bringing the Agreement into force and reflects the shared commitment of both nations to deepen their economic partnership.
The FTA provides comprehensive duty-free access for 100% of Indian exports to New Zealand from the date of entry into force, significantly benefiting multiple Indian export sectors including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture and processed food products. In reciprocal terms, the Agreement offers enhanced and preferential access to the Indian market for New Zealand exports, particularly wood, wool, sheep meat, and leather raw hides.
Beyond goods trade, the Agreement creates substantial new opportunities in services, investment, and mobility sectors. It specifically facilitates USD 20 billion of investment into India and enhances pathways for Indian professionals and students. The pact also strengthens bilateral cooperation in agricultural productivity, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, traditional medicine and AYUSH, technology, and trade facilitation.
The diplomatic context includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to New Zealand in July 2026, which was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades and provided significant momentum to the bilateral relationship. Both countries are now working to complete their respective domestic processes to enable early entry into force of the Agreement.