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India and New Zealand finalize FTA, granting zero-duty access on all goods exports, boosting IT, education, and mobility.
Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon shakes hands with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi (File Photo, Credit Reuters)
India-New Zealand FTA: India and New Zealand have announced the conclusion of negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The free trade agreement between India and New Zealand will provide zero-duty access on 100 per cent of goods exports once it comes into force, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The FTA is expected to open up new growth opportunities across services sectors such as IT and IT-enabled services, financial services, education, tourism and audio-visual services. It also aims to enhance mobility opportunities for Indian professionals and students, making it easier for skilled talent to access New Zealand’s job and education markets.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the conclusion of the NZ-India Free Trade Agreement.
He further said NZ exports to India could increase $1.1B to $1.3B per year over the coming two decades.
“The agreement builds on the strong friendship between our two countries. India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and this gives Kiwi businesses access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers,” he added in the X post.
A key feature of the agreement is the extension of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment, which is expected to improve competitiveness for Indian exporters and support deeper integration into global value chains.
India and New Zealand have announced the conclusion of negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. The concluded outcome covers trade in goods, services and investment, reflecting a shared commitment to deepen economic engagement, strengthen market access and enhance… pic.twitter.com/VbeNwBzXNl— Dept of Commerce, GoI (@DoC_GoI) December 22, 2025
The government said the pact would deliver strong benefits for farmers, MSMEs, workers, artisans and women, helping promote inclusive and sustainable growth. Improved market access is expected to support Indian exports across manufacturing, agriculture and services, while also encouraging greater investment and collaboration between the two countries.
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December 22, 2025, 12:07 IST
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