With an aim to accelerate India’s global trade engagements, India and New Zealand are reportedly set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 24, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The agreement is likely to grant tariff-free access to domestic exporters in the island nation’s market and attract investments worth $20 billion over the next 15 years. The two countries had announced the conclusion of negotiations on December 22, 2025, with the aim of doubling bilateral trade to $5 billion within five years. 

After the trade deal, India will get zero-duty market access on 100% of its exports. The agreement will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95% of New Zealand's exports to India, including items ranging from wool, coal, wood, wine, to avocados and blueberries. However, New Delhi has made no duty concessions on allowing imports of dairy like milk, cream, whey, yoghurt, and cheese; onions, sugar, spices, edible oils and rubber to protect farmers and domestic industry.

Under the pact, New Zealand will also get duty-free access to goods such as sheep meat, wool, coal and over 95 per cent of forestry and wood articles. As regards the services sector, New Zealand will give a temporary employment entry visa pathway for Indian professionals in skilled occupations with a quota of 5,000 visas annually and a stay of up to three years. 

This pathway covers Indian professions such as AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, Indian chefs, and music teachers, as well as high-demand sectors including IT, engineering, healthcare, education, and construction, strengthening workforce mobility and services trade. Bilateral merchandise trade stood at $1.3 billion in 2024-25. The total trade in goods and services reached about $2.4 billion in 2024, with services trade alone reaching $1.24 billion, led by travel, IT, and business services.