Trade Row and "Butter Chicken Tsunami" Slur Overshadow Modi’s Historic New Zealand Visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Wellington on Wednesday for his first visit to New Zealand in a decade, but the trip has been overshadowed by a trade dispute and a coalition minister's warning of a 'butter chicken tsunami' of migrants.

New Zealand First leader and Minister for Resources Shane Jones made the remark during a parliamentary debate on the proposed free trade agreement, drawing immediate criticism from Indian community leaders and opposition MPs who called it racist and xenophobic.

Adding to the tension, conservative evangelical preacher Brian Tamaki urged the government to retaliate against India over its treatment of Christians, a call that was quickly dismissed by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as unhelpful and not reflective of government policy.

Despite the controversy, officials from both sides said negotiations on the trade pact, which has been in the works for several years, remain on track. Modi is scheduled to meet with Luxon and business leaders during his two-day visit, with a formal announcement of the deal expected as early as Thursday.

The visit marks a significant step in bilateral relations, with trade between the two countries currently valued at around $1.2 billion annually. Indian diaspora groups in New Zealand have welcomed the visit, hoping it will ease visa restrictions and boost cultural ties.