Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to New Zealand, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced a major trade concession for India. Luxon said that 57% of New Zealand’s exports to India will become tariff-free from the very first day a bilateral trade agreement comes into effect. He described the proposed agreement as a landmark step that would significantly improve New Zealand’s access to the Indian market while creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries. The announcement was also shared by Luxon on his official social media account.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit New Zealand on July 10 and 11 after concluding his visit to Australia. During his stay, the two leaders are expected to hold talks in Auckland on a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, defence cooperation, and economic development. According to government sources, Modi will also interact with business leaders, members of the Indian diaspora, and prominent sports personalities. The visit is being described as the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in nearly four decades.

India has been actively expanding its network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with several countries, and a similar agreement with New Zealand is expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties further. With strong demand for Indian products in the New Zealand market, the proposed trade deal could enhance export opportunities for Indian businesses while boosting commercial cooperation between the two nations. The tariff concessions announced ahead of the visit are expected to provide additional momentum to trade negotiations and deepen the strategic economic partnership between India and New Zealand.