India and New Zealand have entered a new, more energetic phase in their relationship, with fresh momentum in trade, education, mobility, and people-to-people ties. This is a great time for IIT alumni in Aotearoa New Zealand to stay informed and get more involved in shaping these connections.​

A New Chapter in India–NZ Ties

In March 2025, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Christopher Luxon issued a joint statement in New Delhi, reaffirming that India and New Zealand see each other as long-term partners grounded in shared democratic values and strong community links. The statement highlighted a clear intent to “do more together”, with specific focus on trade, investment, defence and security, education, research, science and technology, agri-tech, mobility, and sport.​

For the Indian diaspora in New Zealand – including a sizeable IIT alumni community – this political goodwill translates into more opportunities to engage in policy discussions, collaborative projects, and cross-border innovation. As India’s profile continues to rise in New Zealand’s strategic thinking, alumni networks can act as trusted bridges between institutions, businesses, and governments.​

Free Trade Agreement: Big Step Forward

India and New Zealand concluded negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in December 2025, one of India’s fastest-concluded trade deals. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs, ease regulatory barriers, and promote cooperation in goods, services, and investment, with the ambition of doubling bilateral trade within about five years.​

Under the FTA, India will receive duty-free access for all its goods into New Zealand over time, while New Zealand will secure tariff reductions and improved access for a large share of its exports to India, including horticulture, wood products, coal, and sheep meat. This creates a rich landscape for IIT alumni working in engineering, agri-tech, supply chains, logistics, and consulting to explore new business models and partnerships.​

Education, Mobility and Student Pathways

The bilateral agenda places strong emphasis on education, research, and the mobility of people between the two countries. India and New Zealand have framed education not just as an export sector, but as a long-term investment in skills, innovation, and people-to-people links.​

Recent updates include:

• Negotiated provisions in the FTA that support services trade, mobility and education, including easier pathways for professionals and students.​
• Public statements from India’s Commerce Minister indicating that Indian students in New Zealand can expect three to four year post-study work visas depending on their programmes, alongside professional visas for around 5,000 Indian workers in fields such as IT, education, nursing, caregiving, yoga, AYUSH and hospitality.​

For prospective students, New Zealand is upgrading its immigration systems and settings:

• Student visa processing has transitioned to an enhanced online platform, with strong encouragement to apply early for 2026 intakes.​
• New Zealand plans to grow international education to NZ$7.2 billion by 2034, with increased in-study work rights (moving from 20 to 25 hours per week from late 2025) and up to three years post-study work visa for Level 7 and above qualifications.​

These shifts are particularly relevant for IIT alumni who advise younger students, mentor applicants, or liaise with NZ universities and institutes of technology.​

Connectivity, Travel and People-to-People Links

People-to-people connections remain at the heart of the relationship, supported by a vibrant Indian diaspora and growing education and tourism flows. On 17 March 2025, the two Prime Ministers welcomed a new MoU between Air India and Air New Zealand to deepen air connectivity, including a code-share partnership over 16 routes and the exploration of a possible direct flight between Auckland and New Delhi by 2028.​

Improved air links can make it substantially easier for alumni to travel for work, family, conferences, and start-up activity between India and New Zealand. It also opens the door to more frequent delegations, alumni meets, joint hackathons, and cross-border events anchored around tech, research and entrepreneurship.​

What This Means for IIT Alumni in NZ

For IITians in New Zealand, these developments create a timely platform to step up engagement:​

• Industry and innovation: The FTA and joint focus on agri-tech, science and technology, and digital services provide fertile ground for alumni-led ventures, consulting, and cross-border R&D collaborations.​
• Policy and advocacy: Alumni with experience in governance, technology, and education can contribute to dialogues on skills, migration, and research partnerships, bringing a practical, on-the-ground view from Aotearoa.​
• Mentoring and community: With evolving student visa and work settings, alumni can guide incoming students and early-career professionals, helping them navigate study choices, immigration changes, and career pathways.​

As the India–New Zealand relationship gains momentum, IIT Alumni in New Zealand are well placed to act as a trusted, knowledgeable and values-driven bridge between the two countries – in boardrooms, labs, classrooms and community halls alike.​

If you’d like, this can be adapted into a shorter homepage teaser plus a full blog article body for the IIT Alumni in NZ site, or tailored with a closing call-to-action for upcoming chapter events.

Author: webadmin

Web Admin