India welcomes New Zealand legislation to implement bilateral FTA

India has welcomed the passage of legislation by the Parliament of New Zealand to give effect to the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it an important step towards bringing the pact into force and strengthening bilateral economic ties.The legislation was passed on September 16, following the signing of the FTA in New Delhi on April 27, 2026, according to agency reports. Both countries are now working to complete their respective domestic processes to facilitate the early implementation of the agreement.

New Zealand: On India-New Zealand FTA, New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says, "Well, look, it was a very significant vote in favor of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement by our entire parliament—93 votes in favor to 26. That's one of the largest… pic.twitter.com/bPlX1Gr4iD

— IANS (@ians_india) September 18, 2026

Under the FTA, 100 per cent of Indian exports to New Zealand will receive duty-free access from the date of its entry into force. The agreement is expected to create new opportunities for Indian exporters of textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and processed food products.In return, New Zealand will receive enhanced and preferential access to the Indian market for products such as wood, wool, sheep meat and leather raw hides.
The agreement also covers services, investment and mobility, including enhanced pathways for Indian professionals, students and youth. It provides for facilitating investments of up to USD 20 billion into India and strengthens cooperation in areas including agricultural productivity, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, traditional medicine and AYUSH, technology and trade facilitation.
India and New Zealand share close relations supported by strong people-to-people ties and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, agriculture, sports and technology.Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand in July 2026, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades, provided further momentum to bilateral relations. During the visit, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deeper economic engagement and early implementation of the FTA.