India welcomes New Zealand legislation to implement India-New Zealand FTA
India has welcomed the passage of legislation by the Parliament of New Zealand to give effect to the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing it as an important step towards bringing the pact into force and strengthening bilateral economic ties.
The legislation was passed on September 16, following the signing of the FTA in New Delhi on April 27, 2026. India and New Zealand are now working to complete their respective domestic processes to facilitate the early implementation of the agreement.
The FTA provides duty-free access for 100 per cent of Indian exports to New Zealand from the date of its entry into force. It is expected to create new opportunities for Indian exporters of textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and processed food products.
In return, New Zealand will receive enhanced and preferential access to the Indian market for products including wood, wool, sheep meat and leather raw hides.
The agreement also covers services, investment and mobility, including enhanced pathways for Indian professionals, students and youth. It provides for facilitating investments of up to USD 20 billion into India and strengthens cooperation in areas such as agricultural productivity, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, traditional medicine and AYUSH, technology and trade facilitation.
The two countries have maintained close relations supported by people-to-people ties and growing cooperation across trade, investment, education, agriculture, sports and technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand in July 2026, the first by an Indian PM to the country in four decades, provided further momentum to bilateral ties. During the visit, both sides reiterated their commitment to deeper economic engagement and early implementation of the FTA.
