India New Zealand Business Council

05/10/2026

The October INZBC newsletter brings together the key developments shaping the New Zealand India business relationship, including the FTA entering into force, new INZBC leadership, the upcoming New Zealand India Business Summit, inward business delegations and practical opportunities for members. Read the latest updates and see what is coming next.

India in New Zealand (High Commission of India, Wellington)
New Zealand High Commission to India & Nepal
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
BNZ
Zespri International
Fonterra
Slumberzone New Zealand
New Zealand Airline Academy
Auckland Institute of Studies
India In Auckland - Consulate General of India

News & Information from INZBC!

24/09/2026

24/09/2026

24/09/2026

A standing-room audience joined INZBC at BNZ Place for an important conversation about what comes after the New Zealand India FTA.

Hon Todd McClay MP, Minister for Trade and Investment, and H.E. Ms Muanpuii Saiawi, India in New Zealand (High Commission of India, Wellington) High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, discussed how improved market access can translate into business partnerships, investment, and long-term commercial outcomes.

It was also the High Commissioner’s first engagement with INZBC members in Auckland.

A central message was that India is not one uniform market. Businesses need to understand its states, cities, sectors and commercial ecosystems. They also need credible partners, market knowledge, suitable finance and a long-term approach.

The FTA enters into force on 20 October 2026. The agreement creates the framework. Businesses must now use it.

Thank you to our speakers, Bank of New Zealand, our partners and everyone who contributed to a timely and practical discussion.

Read more about it here https://www.inzbc.org/post/new-zealand-india-fta-business-opportunities

Not a memeber yet? Perfect time to join https://inzbc.memberjungle.club/index.cfm?module=membership_v2&kat=add_register

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
New Zealand High Commission to India & Nepal
BNZ
Zespri International
Fonterra
New Zealand Airline Academy
Slumberzone New Zealand
Auckland Institute of Studies
India In Auckland - Consulate General of India
FIEO
ExportNZ
EMA

23/09/2026

The two countries formally ratified the trade deal on Monday.

21/09/2026

21/09/2026

The NZ–India Free Trade Agreement is set to enter into force on 20 October 2026, opening new opportunities for New Zealand exporters.

Read the latest Government announcement here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-zealand-and-india-ratify-free-trade-agreement

Once fully implemented, tariffs will be reduced or eliminated on 95% of New Zealand exports to India. For businesses looking to enter or grow in this fast-growing market, now is the time to understand what the agreement means and prepare to access its benefits.

👉 Find out how NZTE can help you: https://www.nzte.govt.nz/page/supporting-nz-exporters-in-india

17/09/2026

A new leadership team for an important new phase in the India-New Zealand relationship.

INZBC is pleased to announce that Bharat Chawla, Sameer Handa and Shakti Raganathan have been elected to the Board for the 2026 to 2029 term.

Sameer Handa and Shakti Raganathan join as new Board members, while Bharat Chawla has been re-elected.

The Board has confirmed the following office bearers:

Chair: Bharat Chawla
Deputy Chair: Tony Martin
Treasurer: Sumant Khedkar

This is a significant time for INZBC and for businesses working across India and New Zealand. With the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement now in force, the focus moves from agreement to implementation, and from opportunity to commercial results.

Bharat Chawla said INZBC’s role is to help businesses make connections, understand the market, share experience and build trusted long-term relationships.

INZBC also thanks outgoing Chair Edwin Paul for his contribution and leadership, especially during the period leading to the FTA and his work supporting the Christchurch-Chennai sister city relationship.

The year ahead will focus on helping members understand and access FTA opportunities, strengthening sector links and supporting greater trade and investment between India and New Zealand.

Read the annoucement here https://www.inzbc.org/post/inzbc-announces-new-leadership-team-focus-shifts-to-fta-implementation

India in New Zealand (High Commission of India, Wellington)
New Zealand High Commission to India & Nepal
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
Zespri International
BNZ
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
New Zealand Airline Academy
Study with New Zealand
Auckland Institute of Studies
Slumberzone New Zealand

16/09/2026

The NZ India FTA has passed New Zealand Parliament.

For New Zealand exporters, this is an important step towards putting the agreement into practice.

When the FTA enters into force, 57% of New Zealand’s current exports to India will become duty free from day one, with tariffs eventually eliminated or significantly reduced on 95% of exports.

The opportunity goes well beyond tariff savings. India offers growing demand across food and fibre, technology, education, tourism and professional services.

But signing and ratifying an FTA is only the beginning. Businesses now need to understand where the opportunities are, find the right partners and develop an India strategy that can convert improved market access into commercial outcomes.

INZBC has worked for 38 years to strengthen trade and business relationships between our two countries. Our focus now is firmly on helping New Zealand and Indian businesses make the FTA work.

India in New Zealand (High Commission of India, Wellington)
New Zealand High Commission to India & Nepal
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
BNZ
Zespri International
Fonterra
Slumberzone New Zealand
Auckland Institute of Studies
Study with New Zealand
New Zealand Airline Academy

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is welcoming the passing of the India Free Trade Agreement legislation today, and says the 93-29 vote is a clear demonstration of Parliament’s strong support for this FTA and its significant benefits for the economy.