New Delhi: Narendra Modi described the newly signed Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand as a landmark step that will significantly strengthen bilateral ties and unlock wide-ranging economic opportunities.
The agreement, signed in the national capital, is expected to accelerate trade, investment and collaboration between the two nations. It is designed to benefit a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including farmers, youth, women, MSMEs, artisans, startups, students and innovators, while creating new pathways for growth and enterprise.
The deal also includes a substantial investment commitment of 20 billion dollars from New Zealand, aimed at strengthening cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, technology and innovation. Officials noted that the agreement reflects growing trust, shared democratic values and a common ambition to deepen engagement between the two economies.
Christopher Luxon highlighted that the pact holds both economic and strategic significance. He pointed out that it opens access to one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, while helping diversify New Zealand’s exports and supporting long-term trade expansion goals. The agreement also provides Indian exporters with immediate tariff-free access to the New Zealand market and improves access for consumers to high-quality imports.
The partnership is expected to enhance collaboration in agricultural productivity, leveraging New Zealand’s advanced agri-technology expertise alongside India’s development priorities. It also aligns with initiatives such as “Make in India,” encouraging investment, job creation and innovation-driven growth.
Beyond trade, the agreement strengthens people-to-people connections, with the Indian diaspora in New Zealand playing a key role in fostering closer ties. The pact also focuses on skills, talent mobility and emerging technologies, offering expanded opportunities for professionals and students.
The agreement was formally signed at Bharat Mandapam by Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay, marking the beginning of a new chapter in India-New Zealand relations built on shared growth and long-term cooperation.
