India-New Zealand FTA to be implemented from October 19

The India-New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA) is likely to come into force in the second half of October 2026, with October 19 being the expected date, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal.

India and New Zealand signed the FTA on April 27 to expand trade in goods and services and promote investment between the two countries. The agreement provides duty-free access for 100% of India’s exports to New Zealand.

“We are expecting that the agreement will get operationalised in the latter half of October 2026. The exact date for the same will be announced soon,” Agrawal said, adding that both sides are completing the required operational processes and procedures.

Currently, New Zealand imposes tariffs of up to 10% on several Indian products, including ceramics, carpets, automobiles and auto components. Under the agreement, these barriers are expected to be reduced or eliminated for Indian exports.

New Zealand has also committed to invest US $20 billion in India over 15 years under the trade agreement.