India’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand, signed in April, will officially come into force on October 20, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal announced.
The pact aims to expand India’s export markets and attract long‑term investment amid global trade uncertainty.
Under the agreement, Indian goods will enjoy duty‑free access to New Zealand, while tariffs on about 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports—including wine, kiwi fruit, and apples—will be removed or sharply reduced.
New Zealand has committed to invest $20 billion in India over 15 years, and both nations have set a goal to double bilateral trade by 2030. Trade between the two countries currently stands at around $2.3 billion.
The FTA also facilitates easier movement for students and professionals, strengthening people‑to‑people ties. New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay said the deal demonstrates that “mutually beneficial terms” are achievable despite rising global tariffs and protectionism.
India’s move comes as it seeks to diversify export markets beyond the US, which remains its largest trading partner. The pact follows concerns over new US tariff measures targeting nations purchasing Russian oil.
The agreement is expected to deepen economic cooperation and reinforce India’s position as a key player in the Indo‑Pacific trade landscape.
