India, New Zealand to sign FTA on April 27 in New Delhi
Deccan Chronicle - 16 April 2026
India, New Zealand to sign FTA on April 27 in New Delhi
India and New Zealand will sign a free trade agreement (FTA) on April 27 in New Delhi. The free trade deal aims to provide tariff-free access to the island nation’s market for domestic exporters’ goods and will bring in $20 billion in investment over the next 15 years, according to an official.
Under the pact, New Zealand will also get duty-free access to goods such as sheep meat, wool, coal and over 95 per cent of forestry and wood articles. “The proposed pact will be signed on April 27 in Bharat Mandapam followed by a meeting of the India-New Zealand Business Forum,” the official said.
The two countries on December 22 last year announced the conclusion of negotiations for the trade deal, which aims at doubling bilateral trade to USD 5 billion in the next five years.
While India will get zero-duty market access on 100 per cent of its exports, the agreement will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India, including items ranging from wool, coal, wood, wine, to avocados and blueberries.
However, New Delhi has made no duty concessions on imports of dairy products like milk, cream, whey, yoghurt, and cheese; onions, sugar, spices, edible oils, and rubber to protect farmers and the domestic industry.
As regards the services sector, New Zealand will give a temporary employment entry visa pathway for Indian professionals in skilled occupations with a quota of 5,000 visas annually and a stay of up to three years.
