Modi visits New Zealand as trade deal sparks India pushback
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting New Zealand to promote a new free trade agreement, despite facing domestic backlash and anti-migrant rhetoric. The visit is complicated by controversial comments from local politicians and religious figures regarding the trade deal and Indian migration.
Why it matters
The visit highlights the tension between economic trade goals and rising social-political friction regarding migration and religious tolerance in New Zealand.
Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon shakes hands with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi before their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, March 17, 2025. —Reuters/File Listen to article 1x 1.2x 1.5x comments Join our Whatsapp Channel Add Dawn as a trusted source India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in New Zealand on Friday touting a free trade deal that has sparked a backlash despite promises it will unlock jobs and economic riches.
On the agenda are trade, tourism and sport — but recent undercurrents of anti-migrant sentiment risk tarnishing his trip to a nation long proud of its tolerance.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon celebrated the signing in April of the free trade deal with the world’s most populous nation, touting an export boom that would deliver jobs and investment in spades.
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