New Zealand contributes less than 1% to India’s trade and investment flows, but the April 2026 India-New Zealand FTA is expected to enhance economic ties. The agreement provides 100% duty-free access for Indian exports, protects sensitive farm sectors, promotes a proposed $20 billion investment commitment, and enhances skilled mobility and education opportunities.  This is likely to enhance New Zealand's investment presence in India. The agreement is also expected to strengthen people-to-people and workforce linkages through a new Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa route for 5,000 skilled Indian professionals and expanded post-study work opportunities for Indian students, thereby improving labour mobility between the two countries. ICRA has analysed the trade, financial flows and bilateral agreements between India and New Zealand in this report.

EXHIBIT: Merchandise trade between India and New Zealand

Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry; ICRA Research