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India and New Zealand have finalised a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement covering goods, services, investment and mobility, marking one of India’s fastest trade deals with a developed economy. The pact provides zero-duty market access for all Indian exports to New Zealand and expanded services commitments across IT, professional services, education, finance and tourism. It includes dedicated visa pathways for skilled professionals, post-study work rights for students, and work and holiday visas. New Zealand has also committed to facilitating $20 billion in investment into India over 15 years. Sensitive agricultural sectors, including dairy, remain protected through exclusions and safeguards.
An FTA has also been agreed upon with the United Kingdom (UK), which means that India now has formal trade pacts with three of the five Anglosphere economies
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters has called the India-New Zealand FTA a "low-quality deal", criticising its impact on dairy, labour mobility and migration
Updated On: Dec 22 2025 | 4:17 PM ISTCommerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India has protected dairy and key farm sectors in the India-New Zealand FTA, underlining that dairy will never be opened up in trade negotiations
Updated On: Dec 22 2025 | 3:25 PM ISTIndia and New Zealand have concluded a Free Trade Agreement after nine months of talks; the deal cuts tariffs, boosts trade, opens jobs and creates new visa routes for Indian professionals
Updated On: Dec 22 2025 | 1:00 PM ISTProvisions related to the services sector in the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will open up significant opportunities for highly skilled Indian professionals in areas such as information technology, designers, engineering, manufacturing, education and healthcare, members of the Indian diaspora in Auckland said. Negotiations for the FTA have been concluded and after completion of domestic approvals, it is expected to be implemented from next year. The trade deal will give India tariff-free access to the island nation's markets, bring in USD 20 billion of investment over the next 15 years and will give India more temporary employment visas, easier access for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Auckland-based computer engineer Rani Singh said the pact is a timely move, especially for the technology and services sector. "While trade agreements are often discussed in terms of goods, this one feels particularly relevant to professionals like me because of its focus on ...
The free trade agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand will help diversify exports, and attract investments in areas like agriculture, experts said. The conclusion of negotiations for the pact was announced on December 22. It is likely to be signed and implemented next year. India and New Zealand on Monday said they have concluded talks on a free trade deal that will give India tariff-free access to the island nation's markets, bring in USD 20 billion of investment over the next 15 years and help double bilateral trade in goods and services the next five years to USD 5 billion. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President S C Ralhan said upon entry into force, the free trade agreement (FTA) will provide zero-duty access on 100 per cent of India's exports, with tariff elimination across all tariff lines or product categories. "It will enhance the competitiveness of Indian products in the New Zealand market and provide a major boost to employment-generating sector