India and New Zealand are deepening economic and maritime ties following their new strategic partnership and ratification of a free trade agreement. The FTA is due to enter into force on 20 October, while naval cooperation is also expanding…reports Asianlite News Desk
India and New Zealand are strengthening their bilateral relationship through a free trade agreement, closer maritime cooperation and the elevation of their ties to a “Strategic Partnership”, according to an article published by the Lowy Institute.
The developments follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand in July this year. New Zealand’s Parliament has since ratified the free trade agreement, while the two countries are moving towards their first bilateral naval exercise as part of expanding maritime cooperation.
The FTA is expected to broaden trade and investment between the two countries, which have previously had a relatively narrow economic relationship.
Once fully implemented, the agreement will eliminate or reduce tariffs on about 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India, while Indian goods will receive duty-free access to New Zealand.
The two countries have set a target of doubling bilateral trade to $4 billion by 2030.
The Lowy Institute article said India offers New Zealand access to a large and growing market, while New Zealand could provide opportunities for India in areas including advanced research, education, investment, agriculture and food technology.
New Zealand’s trade portfolio remains concentrated around China and traditional partners including Australia and the US. India accounted for 1.8 per cent of New Zealand’s exports in 2025, according to the article, which said the FTA could increase that share.
The partnership is also expanding into maritime security. India and New Zealand have agreed to cooperate on maritime security, hydrography, logistics and information exchange.
The arrangement has opened the way for New Zealand to join the maritime-security pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
According to the Lowy Institute analysis, the maritime cooperation could provide practical areas for engagement between the geographically distant countries, including maritime awareness, secure sea lanes, disaster response and wider security of the maritime commons.
The article also highlighted New Zealand’s geographical importance to India, saying the country provides a stronger connection to Oceania and extends the reach of India’s vision of a free, open, inclusive and secure Indo-Pacific.
Closer bilateral links could also allow India to strengthen its regional presence through partnerships beyond the Quad, according to the analysis.
The developments mark an expansion of India-New Zealand relations across trade, investment and maritime security, alongside the countries’ newly elevated Strategic Partnership.
