Key Highlights of the India-New Zealand FTA (2026):
- Trade and Tariff Elimination: New Zealand dropped tariffs on 100% of Indian exports, which benefited labor-intensive industries such as textiles, leather, footwear, and engineering goods. India granted market access on 70% of tariff lines, accounting for 95% of New Zealand exports, while protecting sensitive industries such as dairy, dairy products, apples, and wines.
- Massive Investment Commitment: New Zealand has committed to investing USD 20 billion in India over the next 15 years, focusing on industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, and technology.
- Talent Mobility & Visas:
- Qualified Professionals: A new channel will provide 5,000 temporary employment visas for qualified Indian professionals (up to a three-year stay).
- Students: Improved post-study employment rights, including up to four years for PhD grads, and recognition of student mobility.
- Working Holiday: Each year, 1,000 young Indians aged 18 to 30 can acquire a 12-month working holiday visa.
- Services and Collaboration: The agreement covers 118 service areas, with a particular emphasis on IT, professional services, tourism, and education. It makes provisions for agricultural productivity partnerships and mutual recognition of organic certificates.
- Support for MSMEs: The agreement includes special provisions to help small and medium-sized businesses by lowering technical trade obstacles and encouraging incorporation into global value chains.
- Protected Sectors (India): To protect domestic interests, India excluded important agricultural items from the agreement, including milk, cream, cheese, yoghurt, and whey, as well as select vegetables such as onions and peas.
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