India–New Zealand FTA: What each side stands to gain

India and New Zealand on Monday concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) within nine months.
The agreement is expected to benefit Indian farmers, MSMEs, artisans, youth and women-led enterprises.

Under the pact, 100% of India’s exports will enjoy zero-duty access to the New Zealand market, with tariffs eliminated across 8,284 lines, strengthening India’s trade competitiveness and export potential.


ET takes a look at the gains for both sides:

7th FTA since 2021

India’s gains:

• New Zealand to invest $20 billion over 15 years
• Manufacturing, services, job creation focus

Boost for farmers

• Access to advanced agri-tech
• Higher productivity, quality
• Agriculture & food processing: Zero-duty access across 1,379 tariff lines
• Higher exports
• Improved farm incomes
• Targeted action plan for kiwifruit, apples & honey
• Cooperation on food safety standards & supply chains

Key beneficiary sectors
Zero-duty access for India’s labour-intensive sectors, including:

• Textiles
• Leather
• Gems & jewellery
• Engineering goods
• Processed foods

Global mobility expansion

New annexes on mobility provisions
Better job opportunities for Indian students
Pathways for working holiday visas, post-study work visas
Smooth temporary employment visas for skilled Indian professionals

Pharma and Medical devices

Fast-track approvals
Recognition of US, EU, UK & Canadian inspections
Zero-duty access, strengthening India’s role as a supplier of affordable medicines

AYUSH, Wellness

Cooperation in AYUSH systems
Support for research & capacity building

Services sector
MFN status boosts IT, fintech
Growth in IT-ITeS, finance, education
Deeper value-chain integration

Trade winds

Side letters

• Wine, GI working groups
• Comparable regulators under Annex on pharma, medical
• Consultations related to dairy sector in review of FTA
• MRA in organics