India Keeps Dairy Sector Off-Limits in FTA with New Zealand

India has refused to offer import duty concessions for the dairy sector to New Zealand under their recently concluded bilateral free trade agreement. The decision comes amid concerns over protecting millions of small Indian dairy farmers. While the FTA reduces tariffs on 95% of Kiwi goods, dairy remains a red line. Actual trade in dairy is minimal, with New Zealand exporting just USD 1.07 million worth of milk, honey, cheese, and butter to India in FY2025.