NewZealand – MP Parmjeet Parmar Addresses Security Ahead of Modi Visit
NewZealand – New Zealand Member of Parliament Parmjeet Parmar has said that a small group involved in pro-Khalistan demonstrations does not reflect the views of the country’s broader Sikh population. Her remarks came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned two-day visit to New Zealand, where he is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and meet members of the Indian diaspora.
Parmar Says Protest Group Does Not Represent Wider Sikh Community
Parmar, a National Party MP and the first Indian-origin woman elected to New Zealand’s Parliament, said the number of people associated with such protests was limited. According to her, their activities should not be viewed as representative of the Sikh community or the larger Indian-origin population in New Zealand.
Speaking to ANI, Parmar said New Zealand supports freedom of expression and allows peaceful public demonstrations. However, she added that these rights cannot be used to justify threats, intimidation, violence or support for terrorism.
She said any situation involving signs of violent extremism should be dealt with under the law. Parmar also stressed that no individual should feel unsafe because of their identity, ethnicity or background.
Security Measures Expected During Prime Minister’s Visit
The issue has drawn attention as preparations continue for Modi’s visit. India has previously raised concerns with New Zealand about activities by pro-Khalistan groups and what it has described as anti-India actions taking place from New Zealand territory.
Parmar said she was confident that adequate security arrangements would be in place while the Indian Prime Minister is in the country. She noted that security would be strengthened for the visit and said she did not have concerns about the safety measures being planned.
The visit is expected to bring renewed focus to bilateral engagement between India and New Zealand, including cooperation on trade, investment and wider economic relations.
MP Calls for Equal Protection Under Law
Parmar also addressed concerns about attacks and harassment faced by people of Indian origin in New Zealand. She said the country’s legal system applies equally to all residents and that authorities should act whenever conduct crosses the threshold of a criminal offence.
She said every member of the community should be able to live safely, regardless of ethnicity or country of origin. If a complaint meets the legal standard for action, she said, law enforcement agencies should respond because no one is above the law.
Parmar added that racism and intimidation have no place in New Zealand. She said people should be judged on their conduct and contributions rather than their ancestry.
Modi to Hold Talks With Christopher Luxon
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit New Zealand after completing his trip to Australia. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Modi has said he plans to discuss ways to expand economic, trade and commercial cooperation with Luxon. The discussions are expected to build on engagement between the two countries following Luxon’s visit to India in March 2025.
The Indian Prime Minister is also expected to address the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. In his remarks announcing the visit, Modi acknowledged the contribution of the Indian community across different fields in the country.
The visit is likely to underline the growing importance of India-New Zealand ties, with both sides looking to deepen cooperation in business, investment and people-to-people exchanges while addressing security concerns through established legal and diplomatic channels.