India Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a few eyebrows during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon after he called out what he described as “anti-India activities” deriving from “some illegal elements” in New Zealand.
Speaking through a translator following an official bilateral meeting, Modi stated how both prime ministers had reiterated their “absolute condemnation” of terrorism in all forms. He highlighted the Mumbai Terror Attack in 2008 and the Christchurch Mosque Attack in 2019.
1News political editor Maiki Sherman reports from New Delhi, where Indo-Pacific security as well as supposed “anti-India activities” in NZ were discussed. (Source: 1News)
“Terrorism is not acceptable in any form of manifestation. It is essential that we take strict action against the perpetrators of these attacks,” Modi said.
The statement comes after New Zealand marked six years since the Christchurch mosque terrorist attacks, with Luxon attending a memorial before flying to New Delhi.
“We will continue to cooperate in taking action against terrorists, separatists, and radical elements,” Modi said.
However, in keeping with that “context” the mood then shifted with claims of “concerns” about “anti-India activities by some illegal elements in New Zealand”.
It’s believed Modi was referring to what’s known as the Khalistan movement, which is pushing for a homeland for Sikhs in India.
The debate has been thrust into the spotlight in recent years after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations the Indian state may have been involved in the killing of a Sikh leader on Canadian soil.
There was a large rally in central Auckland last year in support of the Khalistan cause.
Modi raised the issue overnight as he suggested New Zealand was sympathetic to India’s position.
“We are confident that we will continue to receive the support of the New Zealand government in taking action against these illegal elements,” Modi said.
During a media interview afterwards, Luxon was somewhat less enthusiastic.
“We respect India’s sovereign territory and sovereignty but clearly we also have free speech in New Zealand,” he said.
When questions around Modi’s suggestion New Zealand would “support” India in “taking action against” the illegal activity Luxon again reiterated his position.
“I understand the point [Modi’s] making but again from New Zealand’s point of view we have very strong free speech laws and we’ve got a very good police force to enforce that.”
Luxon said there had been no illegal activity that he was aware of.
“No, not at all. People are free to protest as they wish. It’s important that they exercise and follow our laws within New Zealand and that’s what police will enforce,” he said.
Luxon was the chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue, India’s preeminent conference on security and defence. Luxon also delivered the keynote address.
“We have a lot of common interests and where they converge we should be working more deeply together,” Luxon said.
This included more opportunities for joint exercises between the two country’s defence forces.
“If you think about New Zealand’s defence position you know we really are very deeply aligned with Australia which is our only ally and clearly Australia is very aligned with India too,” Luxon said.
“This will further enhance the potential for trade and investment between our two countries. We have also agreed to advance cooperation and investment in the areas of dairy, food processing and pharmaceuticals,” Modi said.
“The Indian community in New Zealand is making positive contributions to the social and economic development of New Zealand.”
Luxon also invited Modi to New Zealand for an official visit.
“We didn’t talk dates, he’s obviously a very busy guy but I’ve left it with him and his team,” Luxon said.
