*** Row Over New Zealand Minister's 'Butter Chicken Tsunami' Barb On India Deal | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Row Over New Zealand Minister's 'Butter Chicken Tsunami' Barb On India Deal

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Wellington: A New Zealand minister is getting flak for his “outright racist” remark against Indians even as Wellington and Delhi prepared to sign a free-trade deal next week. Shane Jones, deputy leader of the right-wing populist New Zealand First Party and minister for regional development, made the remarks while opposing the planned trade pact.

"I don't care how much criticism we get, I am just never going to agree with a butter chicken tsunami coming to New Zealand," he told a radio. He argued that the government’s “once in a generation” deal to expand business access to India’s vast domestic market could also open New Zealand to a large influx of immigrants.

New Zealand is expected to sign the free trade agreement in New Delhi next week, with Wellington promoting it as a major economic opportunity for exporters and businesses.

However, coalition partner NZ First has withdrawn support, citing concerns over migration and a reported NZ$34 billion investment commitment in India over 15 years. The split means the government may need opposition Labour Party backing when legislation reaches parliament.

The remarks were strongly criticised by Indian community groups. Shanti Patel, president of the Auckland Indian Association, said the comments were deeply worrying, while opposition MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan called them “outright racism.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the comments as “unhelpful.” Officials said the deal could potentially result in more than 20,000 Indian migrants entering New Zealand over time.