India and New Zealand have formally ratified their Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the deal set to come into force on October 20, 2026.

The announcement was made by New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, who exchanged formal documents with India’s High Commissioner Muanpuii Saiawi at New Zealand’s Parliament. The agreement, signed earlier on April 27, 2026, has been described by both Prime Ministers as a “historic step” toward strengthening trade, investment, and people‑to‑people ties.

Under the FTA, New Zealand will remove all tariffs on goods imported from India, while India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95% of imports from New Zealand. The deal is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, open new opportunities for exporters, and deepen economic cooperation between the two nations.

Officials say the agreement will not only enhance market access but also foster collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and education. With the FTA now ratified, businesses in both countries are preparing to leverage the new framework to expand their global reach.