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

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark visit to New Zealand, aimed at finalizing a free trade agreement, has been overshadowed by controversy. A coalition minister sparked outrage by warning against a 'butter chicken tsunami' of Indian migrants, while an evangelical preacher called for retaliation over India's treatment of Christians.

The free trade deal, which would be the first between India and a developed Western nation, has drawn sharp backlash from some New Zealand politicians. The minister's remark, widely condemned as racist, reflects broader anxieties about immigration and cultural change.

Separately, an evangelical preacher urged New Zealand to take a tough stance on the trade deal, citing concerns about religious freedom in India. The preacher's comments highlight ongoing tensions over India's record on minority rights.

Modi's visit, the first by an Indian prime minister in over a decade, was intended to strengthen economic ties. However, the trade row and the 'butter chicken tsunami' slur have dominated headlines, complicating efforts to project a positive image of bilateral relations.