In a landmark move for bilateral relations, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Monday that the newly signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand includes significant provisions for Indian students and professionals seeking work opportunities. The agreement marks a strategic elevation of ties between the two nations.
Enhanced Work Visa Opportunities for Indian Graduates
Under the FTA's provisions, Indian students completing a degree or bachelor's with honours in New Zealand will be eligible for a three-year post-study work visa. This offer is significantly sweetened for graduates in high-demand fields. Those who graduate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines or complete a post-graduation degree will be eligible for an extended four-year work visa.
Minister Goyal emphasized that the pact is designed to open greater avenues for mobility, providing enhanced opportunities for education and employment for Indian students and professionals. Furthermore, around 5,000 professionals, including yoga instructors, chefs, AYUSH practitioners, and nurses, will gain access to professional work visas under the agreement.
Massive Boost for Indian Exports and Key Sectors
The Commerce Minister highlighted that the FTA is expected to deliver a significant boost to India's export economy. New Zealand has agreed to provide zero-duty market access on 100% of its tariff lines, covering all Indian exports from the date the agreement comes into force.
Labour-intensive sectors like textiles and clothing are set to be major beneficiaries. New Zealand will eliminate tariffs that previously peaked at up to 10%, granting Indian exporters zero-duty access across 1,057 tariff lines. This is a substantial opportunity, given that India's textile and apparel exports reached USD 36.9 billion in 2024-25, with exports to New Zealand alone growing to USD 103 million. The deal positions India to capture a larger share of New Zealand's annual global textile imports, valued at nearly USD 1.9 billion.
Broad Cooperation Across Diverse Fields
Beyond trade and education, the comprehensive FTA fosters cooperation in a wide array of sectors. Collaboration has been formally agreed upon in areas including AYUSH, culture, fisheries, audio-visual tourism, forestry, horticulture, and traditional knowledge systems.
The agreement actively promotes India's AYUSH systems on the international stage, encourages medical value travel, and aims to position India as a global wellness hub. Additionally, the pact opens up 118 service sectors, creating new opportunities for Indian professionals in tourism, information technology, telecommunications, and the audio-visual industry.
Piyush Goyal described the FTA as both comprehensive and forward-looking, reflecting the shared vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to elevate bilateral relations to a much higher strategic level. The agreement encompasses not just trade, but also education, research & development, innovation, services, tourism, and sports, setting a new benchmark for India's international partnerships.
