The Government says New Zealand has concluded a free trade agreement with India, with tariffs to be removed immediately on more than half of New Zealand’s current exports to India when the deal takes effect.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the agreement a “landmark moment” and said it fulfils a campaign commitment. He said Trade Minister Todd McClay and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal delivered the deal following intensive engagement, and that he has spoken with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The announcement is significant given India’s size and growth and New Zealand’s long-running efforts to secure a deal. But the shape of the agreement isn’t yet public. The Government has not released the legal text or product schedules, and the statement does not specify which products receive cuts on day one, whether the “more than half” figure is by value or tariff lines, or what the phase‑out timetable looks like beyond the initial tranche.

Crucially, there’s no detail yet on market access for dairy, beef and sheepmeat — products that have been sensitive in India’s previous agreements. Exporters will also be looking for outcomes on kiwifruit and other horticulture, wine, forestry, education and technology services, as well as rules around digital trade and the movement of people.

Like other FTAs, the agreement will need to go through domestic processes before it can enter into force. In New Zealand that typically includes the release of the full text, a National Interest Analysis, select committee scrutiny and enabling legislation. No start date has been provided.

Since taking office, the Government has put heavy emphasis on the relationship with India, including ministerial travel and a large trade mission. Today’s announcement is the headline step; the real test for exporters will be in the fine print. Further detail on the tariff schedules, services commitments and implementation timeline is expected from officials.