Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark moment in bilateral relations, saying it would inject unprecedented momentum into the developmental partnership between the two countries.
In a post on X, PM Modi said the agreement reflects deep trust, shared values and a common ambition between the two nations. He emphasised that the pact would benefit a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including farmers, youth, women, MSMEs, artisans, startups, students and innovators, while opening new avenues for growth and strengthening cross-sectoral synergy.
Highlighting the economic dimension of the deal, PM Modi pointed to New Zealand’s commitment to invest USD 20 billion in India, noting that it would significantly boost cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, innovation and technology. He said the agreement aligns with India’s broader push to integrate into global supply chains and supports initiatives such as “Make in India,” while fostering entrepreneurship, job creation and innovation-led growth.
PM Modi also underscored the importance of talent mobility and skills development under the agreement, stating that it expands opportunities for Indian professionals and students in emerging sectors. He noted that the pact brings together New Zealand’s advanced agricultural expertise with India’s development priorities through initiatives such as agricultural productivity partnerships and Centres of Excellence, aimed at improving farmer incomes and rural infrastructure.
In addition, PM Modi highlighted the agreement’s role in promoting traditional knowledge systems, including AYUSH, yoga and organic products, positioning them for greater global relevance. He said the FTA would help build resilient supply chains and enable the production of competitively priced goods and services, creating new engines of growth for both economies.
Earlier, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the agreement as a historic milestone that would unlock significant opportunities for trade, investment and innovation. He noted that the FTA opens access to one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and supports New Zealand’s goal of diversifying export markets and doubling export value over the next decade.
Luxon said the agreement would ensure tariff-free access for Indian exporters to the New Zealand market from the outset, while also providing Indian consumers greater access to New Zealand’s high-quality products. He highlighted that the deal would deepen collaboration in areas such as agricultural productivity, leveraging New Zealand’s expertise in agri-technology and food production.
Emphasising the broader significance of the pact, Luxon said it signals a shared commitment to stable, predictable and rules-based trade at a time of global uncertainty. He also pointed to the role of the Indian diaspora as a vital bridge strengthening ties between the two countries across sectors including business, education, science, culture and sport.
Both leaders described the agreement as not just an economic milestone but the beginning of a new phase in India-New Zealand relations, with deeper engagement expected across trade, investment, innovation and people-to-people connections.
