India–New Zealand FTA to enter into force on 20 October 2026, with zero duty on all Indian exports
On 21 September 2026, Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay announced that the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will enter into force on 20 October 2026.
Summary
The India–New Zealand FTA was signed on 27 April 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and New Zealand's Parliament passed the enabling legislation on 16 September 2026. From entry into force, every tariff line covering 100% of India's exports to New Zealand becomes duty-free, removing New Zealand peak tariffs of up to 10% on goods such as textiles, leather, footwear, engineering goods and processed foods. Piyush Goyal said the date was chosen to coincide with Dussehra–Vijaya Dashami. Prime Minister Modi's visit to New Zealand in July 2026 was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades, and the two countries announced a Strategic Partnership.
Key facts
- Entry into force
- 20 October 2026 (Dussehra–Vijaya Dashami)
- Signed
- 27 April 2026, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi — Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay
- NZ legislation
- Passed by New Zealand Parliament on 16 Sep 2026
- Market access
- Zero duty on 100% of India's exports to New Zealand from day one; NZ peak tariffs up to 10% removed
- Context
- PM's July 2026 visit — first by an Indian PM to New Zealand in four decades; Strategic Partnership announced
Practice MCQs 4 questions
From which date will the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement enter into force?
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Correct answer: D — 20 October 2026
The FTA will enter into force on 20 October 2026, a date chosen to coincide with Dussehra–Vijaya Dashami.
Where was the India–New Zealand FTA signed on 27 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
The FTA was signed at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, by Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay.
Under the India–New Zealand FTA, what share of India's exports to New Zealand becomes duty-free from day one?
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Correct answer: B — 100%
Every tariff line covering 100% of India's exports to New Zealand becomes duty-free from entry into force.
Consider the following about the India–New Zealand FTA: 1. New Zealand's Parliament passed the enabling legislation on 16 September 2026. 2. Prime Minister Modi's July 2026 visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Commerce Ministry release of 21 September 2026.