India’s free trade agreement (FTA) with New Zealand is set to take effect on October 20, 2026, marking a significant step in India’s strategy to enhance its international trade relationships and expand export opportunities. The agreement, initially signed in April 2026, will enable duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand, benefiting sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, engineering goods, and processed agricultural products.
In parallel, India is actively negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Canada, with the aim of concluding talks by the end of the year. The negotiations, which cover trade in goods and services, investment, rules of origin, intellectual property rights, and trade remedies, have seen five rounds of discussions so far. The most recent talks were held in Ottawa from October 5 to 9, with the next round scheduled for early November in New Delhi.
These agreements are part of India’s broader efforts to diversify its export markets and improve access for Indian businesses amid evolving global trade policies. In addition to the deals with New Zealand and Canada, India is pursuing trade negotiations with other international partners, including the United States, Israel, Chile, and Peru. Additionally, India is reviewing or upgrading existing agreements with countries such as Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, and Sri Lanka.
Through these strategic negotiations, India aims to strengthen its global trade position and create new economic opportunities for its industries. The ongoing talks and agreements reflect India’s commitment to fostering robust international trade partnerships in the face of changing global economic dynamics.