New Zealand parliament approves India trade pact, slashing tariffs on most exports

The bill was passed by a 93–29 vote, with backing from the opposition Labour Party.

More than half of the products covered would become duty-free from the day the agreement comes into force.

"For exporters, the benefits are immediate and substantial," New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said in a statement.

"We expect this high-quality agreement to enter into force this year, delivering on our promise to complete a free trade agreement with India this term."

Under the accord, all Indian goods would gain duty-free access to New Zealand. Wellington has also agreed to invest $20 billion in India over the next 15 years.

The two countries first signed the agreement in April.

Two-way trade totalled NZ$3.99 billion ($2.29 billion) in the year to June 2026, with India ranking as New Zealand's ninth-largest export market for goods and services.

The deal will take effect once both countries complete their respective ratification processes.