India and New Zealand are poised to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 27, 2026, in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in their trade relations. The agreement, which will be signed by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, will grant 100% duty-free access to all 8,284 Indian export products from day one, eliminating previous tariffs that averaged 2.2%. Key sectors benefiting include textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. In a notable first, the FTA recognizes India’s traditional medicine systems under AYUSH alongside Māori health practices. New Zealand will also provide a temporary visa program for Indian professionals, allowing for 5,000 visas over three years. Additionally, New Zealand has committed to facilitating $20 billion in foreign direct investment into India, targeting sectors like infrastructure and renewable energy. The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade from $1.3 billion to $5 billion within five years, reflecting a strong political alignment and lower friction in negotiations compared to other trade deals.