India Welcomes New Zealand’s FTA Legislation
Parliament’s approval advances the India-New Zealand trade pact towards entry into force
- New Zealand Parliament passed legislation on September 16 to implement the India-New Zealand FTA.
- The agreement, signed in New Delhi on April 27, 2026, provides duty-free access for all Indian exports to New Zealand.
- Key Indian export sectors include textiles, footwear, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals and processed food.
- The pact also covers services, investment and mobility opportunities for professionals, students and youth.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18th Sept: India on Thursday 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 bilateral trade pact into force.
The legislation was passed on September 16, following the signing of the FTA in New Delhi on April 27, 2026. India said the development reflects the shared commitment of both countries to deepen and expand their economic partnership.
The agreement provides duty-free access for 100 per cent of Indian exports to New Zealand from the date it enters into force. Indian sectors expected to gain greater market opportunities include textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and processed food products.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will receive enhanced and preferential access to the Indian market for products including wood, wool, sheep meat and leather raw hides.
The FTA also includes provisions covering services, investment and professional, student and youth mobility. According to the government, the agreement provides for facilitating USD 20 billion in investment into India and strengthens cooperation in areas such as agricultural productivity, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, traditional medicine and AYUSH, technology and trade facilitation.
The agreement follows increased engagement between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand in July 2026, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades, provided further momentum to bilateral ties. During the visit, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic engagement and pursuing early implementation of the FTA.
India and New Zealand maintain longstanding ties, supported by people-to-people links and cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, education, sports and technology.
Both countries are now working to complete their respective domestic procedures to facilitate the early entry into force of the India-New Zealand FTA.
