In a major diplomatic and economic breakthrough, India and New Zealand have finalized a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement after just nine months of talks. The pact, unveiled in New Delhi on Monday, eliminates tariffs on 100% of Indian goods heading to New Zealand, while slashing duties on 95% of Kiwi imports to India.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay oversaw the signing ceremony, celebrating the culmination of negotiations that began March 16, 2025. This deal unlocks duty-free market access for Indian products across 450 tariff lines, previously burdened by 10% levies. From garments and leather to ceramics and vehicle components, exporters are poised for a boom.
New Zealand’s $20 billion investment pledge over 15 years underscores the agreement’s ambition, mirroring large-scale commitments from other global partners. The mobility chapter is groundbreaking: Indian students gain post-study work rights, permitting 20 hours of weekly employment. Professionals secure three-year work visas, with a 5,000 annual quota.
The working holiday scheme offers 1,000 young Indians flexible 12-month stays with multiple entries. Protecting national interests, India ring-fenced dairy and key agri-products from liberalization. This balanced FTA enhances trade flows, investment, and talent exchange, heralding a vibrant future for Indo-Kiwi partnerships.
