India and New Zealand have formalized a free trade agreement (FTA) that is expected to significantly enhance trade relations between the two nations. Signed by New Zealand's Trade Minister Todd McClay and India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the agreement will provide Indian exporters with 100% duty-free access to 8,284 products in New Zealand. This includes a range of goods such as leather and handicrafts, while New Zealand will eliminate or reduce tariffs on its exports, including wool and wine, to India. The FTA aims to double bilateral trade to approximately $5 billion over the next five years and includes a commitment from New Zealand to invest up to $20 billion in India over the next 15 years across various sectors. Additionally, the agreement will facilitate visa pathways for 5,000 Indian professionals and 1,000 work and holiday visas annually, enhancing mobility for Indian youth and professionals. While the pact has garnered bipartisan support in New Zealand, concerns regarding dairy imports have been raised, prompting assurances from the Indian government to protect local industries.