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India inked a "generational" Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand on April 27, 2026, promising to boost Indian exporters, the services sector, and the economy.

Key Benefits for India:

• Zero-Duty Exports: 100% of India's 8,284 lines get duty-free access to New Zealand immediately. This will help labor-intensive industries such as textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, engineering, chemicals/pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food products (earlier tariffs up to 10%).
• Services & Migration: Strong agreements in IT, education, financial, tourism, and construction. A new temporary employment entry visa for up to 5,000 Indians to temporarily work in New Zealand for up to 3 years. Improved student support, with work rights.
• Investment: New Zealand pledged to bring in up to $20 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to India over 15 years for manufacturing and infrastructure.

The agreement seeks to double trade to $5 billion within five years, safeguarding India's dairy and other agriculture products. It is good news for India's export diversification and its Indo-Pacific strategy.