India–New Zealand free trade deal takes effect with zero-duty access for all Indian exports

India’s free trade agreement with New Zealand came into force on Tuesday, giving 100% of Indian exports duty-free access to the New Zealand market from day one. Both countries aim to double bilateral trade by 2030, and have signed mutual recognition agreements for organic products (CNBC-TV18).

The deal, signed in New Delhi on 27 April 2026, removes existing import duties of up to 10% on Indian goods entering New Zealand, a senior Directorate General of Foreign Trade official told ANI. Additional DG Sampath Kumar said textiles, clothing, leather, footwear, pharmaceuticals, agricultural and marine products would all see tariffs eliminated, improving the competitiveness of Indian exporters, particularly labour-intensive industries and small businesses (Hindu BusinessLine).

New Zealand has committed to facilitate $20 billion in investment into India over the next 15 years, while India has offered tariff liberalisation on 70% of tariff lines covering 95% of bilateral trade, retaining protections for sensitive sectors including dairy (CNBC-TV18).

The agreement also creates a Temporary Employment Entry visa pathway for Indian professionals in skilled occupations, with a quota of 5,000 visas at any given time and stays of up to three years.

Bilateral merchandise trade stood at $1.3 billion in FY25, up nearly 49% year on year. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the pact is India’s seventh trade agreement to become operational in the past five years (CNBC-TV18).