समाचार Samāchār · India · 20 October 2026

India–New Zealand free trade agreement comes into force

From 20 October every Indian export enters New Zealand duty-free. India opened about 70 per cent of its tariff lines and kept dairy and other sensitive sectors out.

The India–New Zealand free trade agreement took effect on 20 October. It was signed in New Delhi on 27 April 2026 in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and is India’s seventh trade pact to take effect in five years, after the UAE, Mauritius, EFTA, the UK, Oman and Australia.

New Zealand gives duty-free access to all Indian exports. India liberalises 70.03 per cent of its tariff lines, about 95 per cent of trade by value, and keeps dairy, sugar, sheep meat, gems and jewellery, copper and aluminium out. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the agreement would help exporters overcome hurdles.

The deal offers up to 5,000 skilled temporary-employment visas of up to three years and 1,000 working-holiday visas a year, with work rights for Indian students. India commits to facilitate $20 billion of investment. Two-way trade was about $1.15 billion in 2025-26, and both governments aim to double it by 2030.

What a founder takes from it: Exporters and service firms should check the rules of origin now. The cheapest route into Oceania opened this week.