India’s free trade agreement with New Zealand is set to come into effect on October 20, 2026, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to bolster export opportunities and strengthen its international trade relations. This agreement, signed in April 2026, will allow duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand, benefiting key sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, engineering goods, and processed agricultural products.
In parallel with the New Zealand FTA, India is intensively negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Canada, aiming to complete discussions by the end of the year. This proposed agreement encompasses trade in goods and services, investment, rules of origin, intellectual property rights, and trade remedies. The latest round of talks took place in Ottawa from October 5 to 9, with the next set of negotiations scheduled for early November in New Delhi.
Beyond these two trade agreements, India is actively pursuing negotiations with other countries, including the United States, Israel, Chile, and Peru. Additionally, India is in the process of reviewing or upgrading existing trade agreements with Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, and Sri Lanka. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to diversify India’s export markets and enhance access for Indian businesses in response to evolving global trade dynamics.
These trade efforts underscore India’s strategic focus on expanding its economic footprint internationally and securing more favorable market conditions for its exports. The successful implementation of these agreements could potentially lead to increased economic growth and development within India, providing a wider platform for Indian industries to compete globally.