India, April 28 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as both a "historic milestone" and a "once-in-a-generation" pact, highlighting its potential to significantly deepen economic ties and expand opportunities across sectors.

India and New Zealand formally inked the agreement earlier in the day, granting duty-free access to 100 per cent of Indian exports to the island nation, including key sectors such as textiles, leather footwear, and gems and jewellery. The agreement is expected to be implemented by the end of the year, subject to approval by the New Zealand Parliament, while in India, it requires clearance from the Union Cabinet.

In his statement, Modi said the FTA refle...