New Delhi, India | December 23, 2025
India and New Zealand should aim to double their bilateral trade within the next five years by cutting import tariffs on select products and strengthening cooperation across key sectors, according to a new report by think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).
The report highlights that targeted tariff relief, combined with expanded collaboration in agriculture and allied sectors, could significantly boost two-way trade between the two economies.
🌍 Focus on Services Trade and Connectivity
GTRI emphasized that expanding trade in services will be critical to achieving this goal. The think tank recommended more direct flights between India and New Zealand, simplified visa regimes, and mutual recognition of professional qualifications to unlock growth opportunities.
Such measures could particularly benefit sectors like information technology, healthcare, and aviation, where both countries have complementary strengths.
✈️ Visa Reforms and Skill Mobility Key
Improved air connectivity and smoother movement of professionals would help businesses operate more efficiently and encourage greater investment flows, the report noted. Enhanced people-to-people ties are also expected to support long-term trade expansion.
🗣️ GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava Speaks
Ajay Srivastava, founder of GTRI, said India and New Zealand could realistically set a five-year target to double bilateral trade by adopting a phased approach.
He suggested initial tariff concessions on select products, regular exchange of trade delegations, and deeper sectoral collaboration in areas such as agriculture, forestry, fintech, and education.
📌 Strategic Trade Opportunity
The report comes amid growing efforts by India to strengthen trade ties with key Indo-Pacific partners, with New Zealand emerging as a strategic market for diversification and services-led growth.
