Narendra Modi on Monday expressed concerns over “anti-India activities” in New Zealand, marking the first time the Indian prime minister has publicly called out pro-Khalistan activities in the Pacific country.
Modi made the remarks during his joint press conference with counterpart Christopher Luxon on Monday soon after the two sides sat down for bilateral discussions in Delhi.
Modi brought up the issue as an extension of a point about terrorism he had made. “Whether it is the terror attack on Christchurch on March 15, 2019, or Mumbai 26/11, terrorism is unacceptable in every manner…we will work together against terrorist, separatist and extremist elements,” Modi said.
He followed up that comment with: “We have shared our concern regarding anti-India activities in New Zealand. We are sure we will keep getting the New Zealand government's assistance against these illegal activities."
In October last year, a US citizen working for an organisation India has banned for spreading Khalistani terrorism travelled to Auckland and was accused of fuelling hate that has disturbed the Kiwi-Indian community.
Avtar Singh Pannu, a member of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) that is banned by the Indian government, also organised a so-called Khalistan referendum in Auckland, about which Luxon was briefed on November 6 last year, a day before he was to meet Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.
Separatist activity against India on New Zealand soil could become a sticking point as Luxon tries to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties with India. Luxon walked a tightrope when he was later asked about Modi’s remarks.
He said while he acknowledges India’s concerns, New Zealand won’t compromise on the right to free speech. He said he trusted the police to make sure the rule of law prevailed in case of such conflicts.
A senior Indian foreign ministry official later said the Khalistan issue was discussed during the bilateral meetings on Monday.
Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar told journalists, "We do alert our friends to the activities of anti-India elements in their countries and their abuse of freedom of speech and other democratic freedoms to glorify terrorism and to threaten attacks against our diplomats, our parliament or our events in India…
“So these were also conveyed. The government of New Zealand has been receptive and has taken our concerns on board in the past as well," he said.