India, New Zealand Reach Free Trade Deal After 9 Months
The Spin
Narrative A
The India-New Zealand free trade deal represents a strategic win for both nations, slashing tariffs on 95 percent of exports while securing $20 billion in New Zealand investment for India over 15 years. Concluded in a record nine months, this agreement opens massive opportunities across textiles, engineering, services and mobility, positioning both countries to double bilateral trade by 2030. With India gaining zero-duty access to New Zealand's market and securing commitments across 118 service sectors, this pact delivers tangible benefits for farmers, professionals and businesses while diversifying trade away from volatile markets.
Narrative B
This rushed deal with India fails New Zealand by giving away far too much on immigration while securing almost nothing for the dairy sector, the country's largest export industry. Core dairy products like butter and cheese remain locked out behind India's protectionist walls, leaving New Zealand at a massive disadvantage. The agreement creates new visa pathways that will flood the labor market during tight economic times, while India refuses to meaningfully open its massive consumer market to Kiwi farmers and producers.
