Photo: supplied/ Prime Minister's OfficeNew Zealand and India have struck a free trade agreement, both governments say, making it easier for Kiwi exporters to reach the world's biggest population. NZ First to vote against dealThe deal makes good on a 2022 election promise from governing National Party that, if elected, it would finalise a New Zealand-India free trade agreement in its first term. The trade deal creates a new employment visa for Indian citizens, and according to the party will likely generate greater interest in Indian migration to New Zealand during a tight labour market. Dairy access to Indian markets was always going to be the holy grail for a free trade agreement with India - highly valuable but difficult to obtain, RNZ reports. McClay said dairy access would be future-proofed with a clause automatically triggering consultation for renegotiation of dairy access if India negotiated better terms with other comparable countries.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 22, 2025 11:24 UTC