Anti-immigration protesters gathered outside Spark Arena during an event for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chanting slogans such as “send them back.” Approximately 100 demonstrators waved New Zealand flags and displayed a sign reading “remigration now.” In contrast, Modi’s supporters, numbering around the same, shouted “Modi, Modi, Modi” in front of an increased police presence that had grown from 50 to 100 officers. The protest featured a mix of Indian, American, and New Zealand flags, along with signs that accused Modi of being the “face of Hindu terror.” Protesters emphasized their claims with chants asserting their connection to India, stating, “Indians have a home, this is our home.”
Why It Matters
The tensions surrounding Modi’s visit reflect ongoing debates about immigration and national identity in New Zealand, particularly regarding South Asian communities. Modi, who has been a contentious figure due to his government’s policies in India, has faced protests globally, especially from groups opposing his stance on religious and ethnic issues. New Zealand has seen a growing Sikh population, many of whom are critical of Modi’s government, linking it to broader concerns about Hindu nationalism. This event highlights the intersection of local and international politics, demonstrating how global leaders can evoke strong reactions from diaspora communities.
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