InternationalTuesday, 28 April 2026·The Hindu
India–New Zealand FTA signed in April 2026: tariff cuts, 5,000-visa quota and 100% duty-free access
India and New Zealand signed an FTA on 27 April 2026 with tariff liberalisation, services access and a 5,000-visa quota.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 27 April 2026, India and New Zealand signed the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (IN-NZ FTA) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay as the signatories.
Key specifics
- The agreement gives Indian exports 100% duty-free access to the New Zealand market across all tariff lines.
- India will liberalise tariffs on 70.03% of tariff lines, while sensitive agricultural and dairy sectors are excluded.
- New Zealand opens access across 118 services sectors with MFN commitments in 139 sub-sectors.
- A dedicated 5,000-visa quota is provided under the Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) pathway for skilled Indian professionals.
- The deal was concluded in 9 months, making it India’s fastest agreement with a developed nation.
Exam lens
Question type: International relations and trade agreement facts, signatories Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay, 27 April 2026, Bharat Mandapam, 70.03% tariff lines, 5,000 visas. TNPSC may ask which FTA gave 100% duty-free access and which sectors were excluded.