India and New Zealand have signed a fast-tracked Free Trade Agreement to deepen economic ties, cut tariffs and expand market access. The deal, concluded in just nine months, includes a $20 billion investment commitment, wider services access and easier mobility for students and professionals, while keeping sensitive sectors like dairy protected.

New Delhi: India and New Zealand signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Monday, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic ties, with the pact expected to bring deep tariff cuts, expanded market access and enhanced services cooperation.

The deal signed between India's Commerce and Industry minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand, Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McKlay is being described as one of India's fastest concluded bilateral trade deals.

The FTA discussion concluded in December 2025, after negotiations that began in March the same year, is being described as one of India's fastest trade deals to move from negotiations to signing in just nine months.

The agreement follows earlier negotiations that had stalled after multiple rounds, primarily over concerns related to India's dairy sector. The renewed deal reflects a more calibrated approach, balancing market access with sectoral sensitivities.