India, New Zealand set to ink ‘once-in-a-generation’ free trade deal today

Christopher Luxon on Sunday announced that New Zealand will sign a long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India on Monday, describing it as a “once-in-a-generation” deal set to unlock major economic opportunities.

In a social media post, Luxon confirmed that the agreement would be signed Monday night, accompanied by a video outlining its expected impact. He emphasised that the pact would open up one of the world’s largest markets to Kiwi exporters, calling it a transformative step for the country’s trade ambitions.

Highlighting the scale of the opportunity, Luxon said the agreement would provide unprecedented access to India’s 1.4 billion-strong consumer base and a rapidly expanding economy projected to become the world’s third largest. He added that the deal would help New Zealand exporters compete on equal—or better—terms with global rivals while tapping into India’s growing middle class.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of trade to New Zealand’s economy, noting that one in four jobs in the country is linked to exports. The FTA, he said, is expected to generate more employment across key sectors such as agriculture and horticulture, while boosting incomes in local communities.

Luxon also pointed to broader economic benefits, saying stronger trade flows would translate into increased public investment in infrastructure and essential services like healthcare, education and policing.

Calling the agreement a “big win,” he said it would make it easier for New Zealand to expand exports of key products—including kiwifruit, wine, seafood, meat and honey—into the Indian market.

Summing up the impact, Luxon said the deal would support higher wages, job creation and sustained economic growth, ultimately putting “more money in Kiwis’ back pockets.”