On December 22, 2025, New Zealand and India have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, reflecting a strong political commitment to deepen economic ties and expand trade and investment between the two countries.
Key points of the agreement
- Tariff elimination and market access: New Zealand will provide 100 percent duty‑free access for Indian exports into its market. India will liberalize tariffs on about 70 percent of tariff lines, covering around 95 percent of bilateral trade value, and gradually reduce duties on many New Zealand exports.
- Goods and services coverage: The deal covers a wide range of sectors including labour‑intensive manufactured goods, engineering, textiles, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, with services trade opened in many areas including IT, professional services, tourism and education.
- Mobility and visas: The agreement includes enhanced movement pathways for students and professionals, including post‑study work arrangements and dedicated temporary work visas for Indian professionals.
- Investment and cooperation: New Zealand has committed to support up to USD 20 billion of investment in India over the next 15 years.
- Phase‑in and safeguards: Some sensitive products such as dairy and certain agricultural items are excluded or phased in with quotas and safeguard measures to protect domestic industries.
The FTA is expected to boost bilateral trade and investment, support jobs, and deepen economic and people‑to‑people links. It also strengthens strategic economic cooperation between a fast‑growing major economy and a high‑income trading partner.
More details could be found from the Fact Sheet under the homepage of India Ministry of Commerce and Industry: