New Delhi, September 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has described the country’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India as a landmark deal that will open greater access to India’s 1.4-billion-strong market and create opportunities for jobs, exports and higher incomes in New Zealand.
Luxon welcomed the passage of the legislation required to implement the agreement, saying New Zealand had delivered on its commitment to secure an FTA with India during the National Party’s first term in government.
“People told me a Free Trade Agreement with India wasn’t possible. Well, today that deal passed its final vote in Parliament. It’s happening,” Luxon said in a post on X.
New Zealand’s Parliament passed the implementing legislation by 93 votes to 29 on Wednesday. Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said the agreement would provide exporters with greater access to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies.
Under the agreement, 57 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India will become duty-free from the first day of implementation. Once fully phased in, tariffs will be eliminated or significantly reduced on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s current exports.
The kiwifruit industry alone is expected to save around NZ$125 million in tariffs over five years, according to the New Zealand government.
The FTA was signed in New Delhi on April 27, 2026, and remains subject to completion of the ratification process before entering into force.
The agreement is also part of the broader Roadmap to 2030 for the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership, under which Luxon and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have set an ambition to double two-way trade by 2030.
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