Archive · 23 Sep 2026
India-New Zealand Partnership Advances Through Trade and Maritime Ties
India and New Zealand are building a closer relationship.
They now call this relationship a Strategic Partnership.
New Zealand’s Parliament has approved a free trade agreement with India.
The agreement is expected to make many goods cheaper to trade between the two countries.
About 95% of New Zealand’s exports to India will eventually receive lower or no tariffs.
India’s goods will receive duty-free access to New Zealand.
The two countries want to double their trade to $4.0 billion by 2030.
They are also planning their first naval exercise together.
This cooperation could help them share information, improve maritime safety, and respond to disasters.
India and New Zealand have elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership.
New Zealand’s Parliament has ratified a free trade agreement with India.
The FTA will eliminate or reduce tariffs on about 95% of New Zealand exports to India.
Both countries aim to double bilateral trade to $4.0 billion by 2030.
The countries are moving toward their first bilateral naval exercise and broader maritime cooperation.
- Who
- India and New Zealand, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand.
- What
- The countries have strengthened their Strategic Partnership through a free trade agreement and closer maritime cooperation.
- When
- The partnership followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in July this year; the timing of the naval exercise was not specified.
- Where
- Between India and New Zealand, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and surrounding maritime areas.
- Why
- To expand trade and investment, strengthen defence ties, improve maritime security, and widen India’s Indo-Pacific connections.
- Relationship status
- India and New Zealand have elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership.
- Trade agreement
- New Zealand’s Parliament has ratified a free trade agreement with India.
- Tariff coverage
- The FTA will eliminate or reduce tariffs on about 95% of New Zealand’s exports to India.
- New Zealand market access
- Indian goods will receive duty-free access to New Zealand.
- Trade target
- The countries aim to double bilateral trade to $4.0 billion by 2030.
- Maritime cooperation
- Planned cooperation covers maritime security, hydrography, logistics, and information exchange.
- New Zealand’s exports to India
- India accounted for 1.8% of New Zealand’s exports in 2025.