New Zealand on Wednesday (Sep 16) passed legislation establishing a free trade agreement with India. Under the FDA, tariffs on about 95 per cent of New Zealand's exports to India would be eliminated or reduced significantly reduced.The bill passed by 93 votes to 29, with support from the opposition Labour Party as well as the ruling National Party. The agreement, signed by India and New Zealand on April 27, is aimed at expanding trade and investment between the two countries.<h2>Which products will see reduced tariffs?</h2>Under the deal, tariffs on about 95 per cent of New Zealand’s current exports to India will eventually be eliminated or reduced significantly. New Zealand’s trade ministry said 57 per cent of its exports will become duty-free from the first day of implementation."For exporters, the benefits are immediate and substantial," New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said."We expect this high-quality agreement to enter into force this year, delivering on our promise to complete a free trade agreement with India this term."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-iran-war-faces-fresh-house-rebuke-7-republicans-join-democrats-in-push-to-end-conflict-ahead-of-midterms-1789528209869">Trump's Iran war faces fresh House rebuke; 7 Republicans join Democrats in push to end conflict ahead of midterms</a><h2>What does India get in return?</h2>The agreement provides duty-free access in New Zealand for 100 per cent of Indian exports, covering all tariff lines. India has offered New Zealand market access across 70.03 per cent of its tariff lines, covering around 95 per cent of bilateral trade. Nearly 30 per cent of tariff lines remain excluded, including sensitive areas such as dairy and several agricultural products.New Zealand will immediately eliminate duties on 30 per cent of the tariff lines covered by its concessions to India, while additional tariffs will be phased out over three, five, seven, or 10 years.Products benefiting from the agreement include wood, wool, sheep meat, and raw hides. Other goods, including wine, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and selected aluminium, iron, and steel products, will receive tariff reductions. Quotas will apply to some products such as Mānuka honey, apples, kiwifruit, and albumins.<h2>$20 billion investment commitment</h2>Wellington has also committed to investing $20 billion in India over the next 15 years, with the agreement covering cooperation in areas including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, research and innovation, and renewable energy.The pact is also expected to open opportunities for Indian labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and processed foods.New Zealand has made commitments across 118 service sectors and offered Most-Favoured Nation treatment in 139 sectors, according to the Indian government's summary of the agreement.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-all-in-the-name-of-fbi-arrests-pennsylvania-21-year-old-over-alleged-isis-inspired-mass-casualty-attack-plot-1789524553059">‘Kill all in the name of...’: FBI arrests 21-year-old over alleged ISIS-inspired mass-casualty attack plot</a><h2>Visa pathways for Indian professionals and students</h2>The FTA includes a Temporary Employment Entry visa pathway for up to 5,000 skilled Indians, with stays of up to three years in specified occupations.A Working Holiday Visa arrangement will allow 1,000 young Indians a year to travel to New Zealand for up to 12 months.The agreement also contains provisions covering student mobility and post-study work rights.<h2>What happens next?</h2>New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the parliamentary vote, saying the agreement would give New Zealand businesses greater access to India’s large consumer market."People told me a Free Trade Agreement with India wasn’t possible. Well, today that deal passed its final vote in Parliament. It’s happening," Luxon said in a post on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">People told me a Free Trade Agreement with India wasn’t possible. Well, today that deal passed its final vote in Parliament. It’s happening. National said we said we’d secure a Free Trade Agreement with India in our first term, and we’ve delivered. This landmark deal means…&mdash; Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) <a href="https://x.com/chrisluxonmp/status/2100074938963288092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the agreement could potentially become operational in October. The pact will formally take effect once both countries complete their respective ratification procedures.

New Zealand Parliament has approved its free trade deal with India, opening the way for major tariff changes and new economic opportunities. From exports and investment to jobs and visas, here’s what the landmark pact means.

New Zealand on Wednesday (Sep 16) passed legislation establishing a free trade agreement with India. Under the FDA, tariffs on about 95 per cent of New Zealand's exports to India would be eliminated or reduced significantly reduced. The bill passed by 93 votes to 29, with support from the opposition Labour Party as well as the ruling National Party. The agreement, signed by India and New Zealand on April 27, is aimed at expanding trade and investment between the two countries. Which products will see reduced tariffs? Under the deal, tariffs on about 95 per cent of New Zealand’s current exports to India will eventually be eliminated or reduced significantly. New Zealand’s trade ministry said 57 per cent of its exports will become duty-free from the first day of implementation. "For exporters, the benefits are immediate and substantial," New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said. "We expect this high-quality agreement to enter into force this year, delivering on our promise to complete a free trade agreement with India this term." Also read | Trump's Iran war faces fresh House rebuke; 7 Republicans join Democrats in push to end conflict ahead of midterms What does India get in return? The agreement provides duty-free access in New Zealand for 100 per cent of Indian exports, covering all tariff lines. India has offered New Zealand market access across 70.03 per cent of its tariff lines, covering around 95 per cent of bilateral trade. Nearly 30 per cent of tariff lines remain excluded, including sensitive areas such as dairy and several agricultural products. New Zealand will immediately eliminate duties on 30 per cent of the tariff lines covered by its concessions to India, while additional tariffs will be phased out over three, five, seven, or 10 years. Products benefiting from the agreement include wood, wool, sheep meat, and raw hides. Other goods, including wine, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and selected aluminium, iron, and steel products, will receive tariff reductions. Quotas will apply to some products such as Mānuka honey, apples, kiwifruit, and albumins. $20 billion investment commitment Wellington has also committed to investing $20 billion in India over the next 15 years, with the agreement covering cooperation in areas including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, research and innovation, and renewable energy. The pact is also expected to open opportunities for Indian labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and processed foods. New Zealand has made commitments across 118 service sectors and offered Most-Favoured Nation treatment in 139 sectors, according to the Indian government's summary of the agreement. Also read | ‘Kill all in the name of...’: FBI arrests 21-year-old over alleged ISIS-inspired mass-casualty attack plot Visa pathways for Indian professionals and students The FTA includes a Temporary Employment Entry visa pathway for up to 5,000 skilled Indians, with stays of up to three years in specified occupations. A Working Holiday Visa arrangement will allow 1,000 young Indians a year to travel to New Zealand for up to 12 months. The agreement also contains provisions covering student mobility and post-study work rights. What happens next? New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the parliamentary vote, saying the agreement would give New Zealand businesses greater access to India’s large consumer market. "People told me a Free Trade Agreement with India wasn’t possible. Well, today that deal passed its final vote in Parliament. It’s happening," Luxon said in a post on X.

New Zealand Parliament has approved its free trade deal with India, opening the way for major tariff changes and new economic opportunities. From exports and investment to jobs and visas, here’s what the landmark pact means.

New Zealand Parliament clears India trade deal, 95% of exports to get tariff cuts

India and New Zealand on Monday (April 27) signed the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic ties. The pact is set to come into force later this year after ratification by New Zealand’s Parliament, while negotiations for the agreement had formally begun in March 2025 during the visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who described it as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to expand trade, investment flows and labour mobility between the two countries.&nbsp;Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay signed the agreement, which is being described as one of India’s fastest concluded bilateral trade deals. Under the pact, New Zealand has committed to invest around $20 billion in India over the next 15 years while easing trade barriers and simplifying regulatory standards.<h2>FTA details: Duty-free access, trade boost and mobility provisions</h2>The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) provides significant market access for Indian exporters, granting 100 per cent duty-free access to as many as 8,284 export products once the pact comes into force. In the initial phase, nearly 70 per cent of Indian goods, including leather, handloom and handicrafts, will enter the New Zealand market without tariffs, improving competitiveness and expanding export opportunities.&nbsp;On the other hand, New Zealand will eliminate or reduce tariffs on key exports to India, such as wool, wood, coal, wine and fruits, providing a boost to its agricultural and export sectors. However, India has kept several sensitive sectors, including dairy, onions, sugar, spices and edible oils, outside the agreement to safeguard domestic farmers and industry interests.&nbsp;The agreement sets an ambitious target of doubling bilateral trade to around 5 billion dollars over the next five years, marking a sharp rise from current levels and signalling stronger economic engagement between the two countries.&nbsp;In terms of investment, New Zealand has committed to invest up to $20 billion in India over a 15-year period, with expected inflows across sectors such as services, manufacturing and technology, which could strengthen infrastructure, innovation and job creation.&nbsp;The FTA also focuses on labour mobility and employment opportunities. It includes visa provisions for up to 5,000 Indian professionals and 1,000 work and holiday visas annually, covering sectors such as IT, healthcare, construction and education.&nbsp; Additionally, Indian students will benefit from expanded post-study work opportunities, making the agreement a key driver of skill development and global exposure.&nbsp;<h3>PM Modi calls FTA a historic milestone for growth</h3>&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the agreement a “historic milestone” in India’s journey towards deeper global engagement and shared prosperity. He said the pact reflects a strengthening economic partnership and shared values between the two democracies.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In a message, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> said that the India-New Zealand FTA marks a major milestone towards deeper global engagement and shared prosperity. It strengthens economic ties between two vibrant democracies, unlocking opportunities for farmers, artisans, youth, entrepreneurs,… <a href="https://t.co/zglAERVVcj">pic.twitter.com/zglAERVVcj</a>&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/2048721218174603574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He underscored that the agreement will create "new opportunities for our farmers, artisans, youth, entrepreneurs, women and MSMEs, unlocking pathways for global market access and enterprise across sectors, from agriculture and manufacturing to technology, education and services."&nbsp;The Prime Minister added that the Make in India initiative aligns with New Zealand’s $20 billion investment commitment, which will boost startups, innovation, and job creation while accelerating growth across sectors.

The agreement will require ratification by both countries before it can be implemented, with India expected to complete the process through executive approval, while New Zealand will require parliamentary clearance, which could take several months.

India and New Zealand on Monday (April 27) signed the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic ties. The pact is set to come into force later this year after ratification by New Zealand’s Parliament, while negotiations for the agreement had formally begun in March 2025 during the visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who described it as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to expand trade, investment flows and labour mobility between the two countries. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay signed the agreement, which is being described as one of India’s fastest concluded bilateral trade deals. Under the pact, New Zealand has committed to invest around $20 billion in India over the next 15 years while easing trade barriers and simplifying regulatory standards. FTA details: Duty-free access, trade boost and mobility provisions The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) provides significant market access for Indian exporters, granting 100 per cent duty-free access to as many as 8,284 export products once the pact comes into force. In the initial phase, nearly 70 per cent of Indian goods, including leather, handloom and handicrafts, will enter the New Zealand market without tariffs, improving competitiveness and expanding export opportunities. On the other hand, New Zealand will eliminate or reduce tariffs on key exports to India, such as wool, wood, coal, wine and fruits, providing a boost to its agricultural and export sectors. However, India has kept several sensitive sectors, including dairy, onions, sugar, spices and edible oils, outside the agreement to safeguard domestic farmers and industry interests. The agreement sets an ambitious target of doubling bilateral trade to around 5 billion dollars over the next five years, marking a sharp rise from current levels and signalling stronger economic engagement between the two countries. In terms of investment, New Zealand has committed to invest up to $20 billion in India over a 15-year period, with expected inflows across sectors such as services, manufacturing and technology, which could strengthen infrastructure, innovation and job creation. The FTA also focuses on labour mobility and employment opportunities. It includes visa provisions for up to 5,000 Indian professionals and 1,000 work and holiday visas annually, covering sectors such as IT, healthcare, construction and education. Additionally, Indian students will benefit from expanded post-study work opportunities, making the agreement a key driver of skill development and global exposure. PM Modi calls FTA a historic milestone for growth Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the agreement a “historic milestone” in India’s journey towards deeper global engagement and shared prosperity. He said the pact reflects a strengthening economic partnership and shared values between the two democracies.

The agreement will require ratification by both countries before it can be implemented, with India expected to complete the process through executive approval, while New Zealand will require parliamentary clearance, which could take several months.

India–New Zealand sign ‘historic’ FTA: $20 bn investment, trade and mobility to expand

indianew-zealand-fta

India–new Zealand Fta, News on India–new Zealand Fta, stories on India–new Zealand Fta, articles on India–new Zealand Fta, India–new Zealand Fta stories at Wion, India–new Zealand Fta news, India–new Zealand Fta latest news

indianew zealand-fta

New Zealand Parliament clears India trade deal, 95% of exports to get tariff cuts

India–NZ sign ‘historic’ FTA: $20 bn investment, trade and mobility to expand