Wellington, July 9: Exporters across New Zealand are positioned for immediate financial relief as a newly negotiated trade pact with India promises to eliminate tariffs on fifty-seven percent of all goods from its inception. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shared the breakthrough on Thursday, welcoming the economic framework as a massive victory for domestic companies aiming to tap into India’s vast consumer base.
The trade breakthrough sets the stage for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day state visit to Auckland, commencing July 10. The trip stands as a historic diplomatic event, representing the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in almost forty years.
“New Zealand businesses are set to boom with our India Trade Deal. 57% of everything we export to India will be tariff free from day one,” Luxon declared while addressing the upcoming partnership. The Prime Minister further stated that the trade pact would unlock crucial avenues for growth by slashing existing export duties.
The upcoming discussions between Luxon and Modi will look to capitalize on what the Prime Minister’s Office described as a relationship that has gained significant momentum in recent years. Official government releases indicate that the two leaders plan to thoroughly review bilateral relations, with a specific focus on defense, commerce, and trade frameworks.
The unexpected revival of Free Trade Agreement negotiations earlier this year brought both nations back to the table after a prolonged gap in economic talks. Teams from both countries are now focused on securing better market access and deeper collaboration across the technological, agricultural, and service sectors. Beyond the formal diplomatic sessions, the Indian Prime Minister’s itinerary includes scheduled engagements with top business executives, notable sports figures, and a major address to the local Indian diaspora community.
