India, New Zealand Ratify Free Trade Agreement Set for October

India and New Zealand formally ratified their Free Trade Agreement on Monday, September 21, 2026, setting the stage for the pact to enter into force on October 20, 2026. The ratification was confirmed by New Zealand's Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, who exchanged formal diplomatic notes with India's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, in Wellington. The agreement, which was signed by both countries on April 27, 2026, follows the passage of implementing legislation in New Zealand's Parliament on September 16, 2026. That vote saw lawmakers approve the bill 93 to 29, with support from both the ruling National Party and the opposition Labour Party. Under the terms of the FTA, New Zealand will provide duty-free access for 100 percent of Indian exports, covering all tariff lines. This is aimed at improving competitiveness and employment in India's labor-intensive sectors, including textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, gems, jewelry, engineering goods, and processed foods. For New Zealand exports to India, the agreement will eliminate or reduce tariffs on approximately 95 percent of products.