India-New Zealand FTA likely to take effect in October; Canada talks may conclude by year-end

The latest market report highlights that The free trade agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand may become operational in the second half of October 2026, while India and Canada are aiming to conclude negotiations by the end of this year, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated on September 15.

The exact date for operationalising the India-New Zealand FTA will be announced once both sides agree on the operational procedures, Agrawal stated.

India-EU FTA moving as per schedule

The India-European Union free trade agreement is additionally moving as per schedule, with the pact anticipated to advance towards signing after the necessary approvals from the EU Council.

Agrawal stated the agreement is anticipated to be signed by the end of this year.

Following the signing, the pact will move to the European Parliament for approval, which is additionally anticipated to take place soon.

Agrawal described the pace at which the European Union has moved on the trade agreement as the fastest he has noted for an EU FTA.

Once implemented, the agreement is anticipated to provide Indian exporters greater access to the large European market while strengthening trade and investment ties between India and the EU.

The fourth round of India-Canada FTA negotiations is being held from September 14-18 in New Delhi, with around 48 Canadian officials participating in the talks.

Negotiations on two chapters have been concluded, while discussions on all chapters are continuing.

"Both sides want to make good progress and may conclude the FTA talks by the end of this year," Agrawal stated.

In the meantime, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is anticipated to hold a bilateral meeting with the US Trade Representative during the G20 meeting in the US later this month, although the meeting has not yet been finalised.

The proposed meeting is anticipated to focus on the way forward for the India-US trade deal, Agrawal stated.