India is set to enhance its international trade relations as its free trade agreement (FTA) with New Zealand is scheduled to take effect on October 20, 2026. This agreement, signed in April 2026, will allow duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand, benefiting sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, engineering goods, and processed agricultural products. Simultaneously, India is actively working towards finalizing a comprehensive economic partnership with Canada by the end of the year.
The negotiations with Canada, known as the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), cover a wide range of areas including trade in goods and services, investment, rules of origin, intellectual property rights, and trade remedies. The fifth round of discussions recently took place in Ottawa from October 5 to 9, with the next round planned for early November in New Delhi. These talks are part of India’s broader strategy to diversify its export markets and strengthen its international economic ties.
In addition to New Zealand and Canada, India is pursuing trade agreements with several other countries. These include ongoing negotiations with the United States, Israel, Chile, and Peru. India is also reviewing or upgrading its existing trade agreements with Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, and Sri Lanka. This multi-faceted approach is designed to improve access for Indian businesses and adapt to shifts in global trade policies.
India’s efforts to broaden its trade relationships come at a time when global trade dynamics are evolving rapidly. By securing new FTAs and enhancing existing agreements, India aims to create more opportunities for its exporters and bolster its economic growth. The upcoming activation of the FTA with New Zealand marks a significant step in these ongoing initiatives, setting the stage for enhanced economic collaboration between the two nations.