InternationalSunday, 4 October 2026·The Hindu - Economy
India-New Zealand FTA to take effect on October 20, targets ₹35,000 crore trade
The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will come into force on October 20, 2026, with a goal to double bilateral trade to ₹35,000 crore in four to five years.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In October 2026, the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement was ratified and is set to enter into force on October 20, 2026, with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal saying bilateral trade should double to ₹35,000 crore in the next four to five years.
Key specifics
- The FTA comes into effect on October 20, 2026 after ratification in 2026.
- India aims to double bilateral trade to ₹35,000 crore in the next 4 to 5 years.
- New Zealand will remove import levies on all Indian goods exported to New Zealand.
- About 95% of New Zealand exports to India will get tariff-free access or sharply reduced levies.
- India has protected sensitive sectors including dairy, onions, almonds, chickpeas, peas, artificial honey and sugar.
Exam lens
Question type: International trade agreement and tariff policy. Key facts: October 20, 2026, ₹35,000 crore, 95%, protected sectors like dairy and onions. TNPSC may ask which sectors were excluded from concessions.