India-New Zealand free trade agreement to be signed on 27 April

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed the development on social media platform X, stating that the agreement will be officially signed on Monday.

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal

Updated : 24 April 2026, 1:12 PM IST

India-New Zealand set to sign FTA to boost trade and market access

New Delhi: India and New Zealand are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 27, marking a significant step toward strengthening economic ties and improving market access between the two countries.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed the development on social media platform X, stating that the agreement will be officially signed on Monday. In a video message, he highlighted that the FTA will help New Zealand exporters gain better access to the Indian market, particularly manufacturers of marine jet systems used in boats and exported globally.

Luxon said the agreement is expected to reduce trade barriers and gradually lower tariffs faced by exporters, making it easier to trade with India. He added that the deal will support business growth, create jobs, and increase wages in New Zealand while deepening commercial relations with India.

The leaders of both countries believe the agreement will open up new trade opportunities and strengthen investment flows in a large and growing global market.

New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay also called the pact a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.” He said the agreement would improve market access for both sides and strengthen bilateral trade ties at a time of global economic uncertainty.

McClay added that once signed, the agreement will undergo New Zealand’s parliamentary treaty review process, allowing public examination before full implementation begins.

The FTA is expected to significantly expand trade and investment between India and New Zealand and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.