City
Epaper

Free trade pact with New Zealand India’s first women-led FTA: PM Modi

By IANS | Updated: December 23, 2025 15:45 IST

New Delhi, Dec 23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) ...

Open in App

New Delhi, Dec 23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a historic milestone, as it is India’s first women-led FTA where almost the entire negotiating team comprised women.

PM Modi shared an article written by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, which explains that India’s FTAs today go well beyond tariff reductions, forming part of a broader mission to strengthen the economy and improve the lives of millions.

“He highlights that the India-New Zealand FTA is a historic milestone as it is India’s first women-led FTA. Almost the entire negotiating team comprised women", the Prime Minister stated.

Responding to a post by Goyal on X, the Prime Minister said that “In this insightful article, Union Minister Shri @PiyushGoyal explains that India’s FTAs today go well beyond tariff reductions, forming part of a broader mission to strengthen the economy and improve the lives of millions”.

The FTA reflects a defining moment in India’s trade diplomacy, opening new avenues for comprehensive economic cooperation.

The FTA eliminates duty on 100 per cent of Indian exports, along with a $20 billion investment commitment over 15 years to strengthen long-term economic and strategic cooperation. New Zealand’s market access offer covers immediate elimination of duties (zero duty) on 100 per cent of tariff lines of New Zealand (8,284 tariff lines), from “Entry into Force” (EIF).

From farmers and MSMEs to students and skilled professionals, the gains from this Agreement are expected to be broad-based, reinforcing India’s position as a trusted, forward-looking global partner and advancing the vision of a globally integrated Viksit Bharat 2047, according to the government.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalLondon: BNM exposes Pakistan's human rights abuses in Balochistan

EntertainmentArjun Bijlani says, 'Don’t want to be repetitive, I want to keep surprising my audience'

BusinessKarnataka sets record in hydropower generation as KPCL produces 15,509 million units

NationalKarnataka sets record in hydropower generation as KPCL produces 15,509 million units

NationalMP CM Yadav expresses grief after 3-yr-old dies in Ujjain borewell tragedy; announces Rs 4 lakh aid

Business Realted Stories

BusinessGovt clears 52 textile units worth Rs 6,708 crore under PLI​

Business4 crore passengers travelled with Vande Bharat Express in FY26 at 34 pc growth

BusinessWomaniya' initiative of GeM, sees 27.6% growth, Rs 28,000 crore contracts awarded to women MSEs

BusinessOMCs supplying 80,000 metric tonnes LPG daily, delivering 50 lakh cylinders to households: IOCL Chairman

BusinessIndia, Gulf nations align to safeguard trade flows, strengthen supply chains post-ceasefire