India and New Zealand are poised to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) on April 27, aimed at doubling bilateral trade to $5 billion within five years. The pact, which follows the conclusion of negotiations last December, will grant Indian companies duty-free access to New Zealand's markets and is expected to attract $20 billion in investment over the next 15 years. The agreement will enhance cooperation in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and services. Notably, New Zealand will offer 5,000 temporary employment visas annually for Indian professionals in skilled occupations, including IT and healthcare. While the FTA will eliminate tariffs on 95% of New Zealand's exports to India, India has opted to protect its dairy sector and other sensitive agricultural products from concessions. The deal also includes provisions for regulatory cooperation to ease trade barriers, particularly in the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors, facilitating faster approvals for Indian exports. This agreement follows India's recent FTAs with Australia and the UAE, further strengthening its trade relationships in the Oceania region.