India, New Zealand Discuss Pro-Khalistan Elements in Bilateral Talks: MEA

Said Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar: Holding their bilateral dialogue in New Delhi, India and New Zealand discussed about Khalistan. "India does alert its friends about the activities of anti-India elements in their countries," he said, while addressing the press conference.

"About Khalistan, this was an issue that came up... We do alert our friends to the activities of anti-India elements in their countries and their abuse of freedom of speech and other democratic freedoms to glorify terrorism and to threaten attacks against our diplomats, our parliament or our events in India. So these were also conveyed. The government of New Zealand has been receptive and has taken our concerns on board in the past as well," he said.

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The comments come just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon delivered a joint address and noted their shared concerns over terrorism.

The meeting touched on building stronger bilateral ties and commitment to international challenges.

For PM Modi, terrorist attacks in both nations leave no doubt that terrorism is indeed terrorism no matter its form. He cited the devastating incidences of 2019 in Christchurch and the Mumbai 26/11 tragedy.

"We have the same opinion on terrorism. Whether it is the terror attack on Christ Church on March 15, 2019, or Mumbai 26/11, terrorism is unacceptable in every manner. Strict action is necessary against terror perpetrators. We will work together against terrorist, separatist and extremist elements. We have shared our concern regarding anti-India activities in New Zealand. We are sure we will keep getting the New Zealand government's assistance against these illegal activities," he said.

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To this end, India offers a mega treaty with New Zealand to deepen their defence and security ties after PM Modi told Mr. Luxon his concerns about certain unlawful elements executing anti-India activities in the Pacific Island nation.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that unlawful activities directed against India from New Zealand are a concern to India and expressed belief that the Kiwi authorities will take a strong view against such elements.

The two countries will continue their cooperation against terrorists, separatists, and radical elements, PM Modi said.

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