India and New Zealand’s economic ties are growing steadily, according to
official reports.
In 2024–25, bilateral trade in goods reached 1.3 billion dollars, while
total trade in goods and services was about 2.4 billion dollars last year.
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand is one of the
fastest FTAs completed by India and is in line with the country’s long-term
goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. Formal talks for the agreement began on March 16
this year. The FTA aims to build a strong economic partnership by boosting jobs,
trade, and investment.
The agreement is expected to support innovation in agriculture, increase productivity,
and encourage greater participation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
These steps will help strengthen the economies of both countries in the long run.
The FTA will also deepen investment ties. New Zealand has committed to help facilitate
investments worth 20 billion US dollars in India over the next 15 years. In addition,
the agreement creates new job opportunities for skilled Indian professionals through a
Temporary Employment Entry Visa. Under this scheme, up to 5,000 visas will be issued,
allowing a stay of up to three years.
The agreement also promotes India’s AYUSH systems at the global level, encourages
medical tourism, and supports India’s aim of becoming a global wellness hub. Overall,
the India–New Zealand FTA is an important step towards making India a strong, inclusive,
and competitive economy under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.