New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that 57% of the country’s exports to India will be tariff-free from the start of the free trade agreement. Luxon expressed optimism for New Zealand businesses, anticipating growth with the India Trade Deal.
Luxon’s statement precedes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming two-day visit to New Zealand on July 10-11. This visit, at the invitation of Luxon, marks the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in almost four decades.
PM Modi highlighted the visit’s significance in strengthening bilateral ties, following Luxon’s visit to India in March 2025. Modi emphasized discussions with Luxon to boost economic, trade, and commercial relations during his visit.
The Indian diaspora’s contributions to India-New Zealand relations were acknowledged by PM Modi, who looks forward to engaging with the community during his visit. The recently finalized Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand, signed on April 27, is seen as a landmark moment in their relationship.
Luxon described the FTA as a unique opportunity, recognizing India’s growing consumer economy and its potential. He emphasized how the FTA aligns New Zealand with India’s economic growth towards becoming one of the world’s largest economies.
