India–New Zealand Sign Landmark Women-Led FTA, Unlocking Duty-Free Trade and $20 Billion Investment Boost

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced a major milestone in India’s global trade strategy, as India and New Zealand signed the landmark India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The agreement, concluded in a record nine months, was achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon, with key contributions from New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay and both nations’ negotiating teams.
Described as India’s first women-led FTA, the agreement marks a defining moment in bilateral economic relations, reflecting deep mutual trust and a shared vision for inclusive growth.
A key highlight of the pact is 100% duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand, which is expected to significantly benefit MSMEs, farmers, women entrepreneurs, youth, and professionals. The agreement also ensures that India’s sensitive sectors are protected through a balanced and calibrated framework.
Beyond trade, the FTA is projected to facilitate up to $20 billion in investment into India, strengthening collaboration across sectors such as services, innovation, mobility, agriculture productivity, and education. It also aims to create new pathways for skilled professionals and students.
This forward-looking partnership reinforces India’s ambition of becoming a developed economy under the “Viksit Bharat” vision, while setting a new benchmark for equitable and trusted global trade cooperation.