Archive · 21 Sep 2026
India–New Zealand Trade Pact Set to Begin on Dussehra
India and New Zealand have made a free trade agreement.
It will start on October 20, 2026, which is also the festival of Dussehra.
The deal will let Indian goods enter New Zealand without import taxes on all tariff lines.
New Zealand plans to help facilitate $20 billion of investment in India over 15 years.
The countries will also work together to improve farming productivity.
New Zealand will provide technology, while India provides a large market and growing demand.
Some sensitive Indian products, including dairy, sugar, onions, and several other farm goods, are not covered by tariff cuts.
The two countries hope to double trade in goods and services within four to five years, with a target of NZ$7 billion by 2030.
Separately, India and Canada are continuing negotiations on their own trade agreement in October.
The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will enter into force on October 20, 2026, coinciding with Dussehra.
The pact, signed on April 27, gives Indian exports duty-free access across 100% of New Zealand’s tariff lines from day one.
New Zealand has committed to facilitate $20 billion in investment in India over 15 years.
The agreement creates an agricultural productivity partnership combining New Zealand technology with India’s scale and demand.
India and Canada will hold their fifth CEPA negotiating round from October 5 to 9, aiming to finish talks by year-end.
- Who
- India and New Zealand, represented by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay; India and Canada are conducting separate CEPA negotiations.
- What
- The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will enter into force, while India and Canada will hold a fifth round of CEPA talks.
- When
- The India–New Zealand agreement begins on October 20, 2026; India–Canada talks are scheduled for October 5–9.
- Where
- The agreement was signed in New Delhi; the articles do not definitively specify the location of the fifth India–Canada negotiating round.
- Why
- The agreements are intended to expand market access, trade, investment, exports, and broader economic cooperation.
- FTA effective date
- October 20, 2026
- FTA signing date
- April 27
- Indian export access
- Duty-free access for 100% of Indian exports across New Zealand’s tariff lines from entry into force
- New Zealand investment commitment
- $20 billion over 15 years
- Agricultural partnership
- New Zealand farm technology will be combined with India’s scale and growing demand
- Excluded Indian sectors
- Dairy, onions, chickpeas, peas, corn, almonds, artificial honey, sugar, and other sensitive products
- India–Canada negotiations
- Fifth CEPA round scheduled for October 5–9, with a year-end completion target
