‘Butter Chicken Tsunami’: New Zealand Minister’s India Trade Remark Sparks Racism Row

Last Updated:April 22, 2026, 19:14 IST

The controversy began after Shane Jones, deputy leader of coalition partner NZ First and Minister for Regional Development, criticised the proposed agreement.

A proposed free trade agreement between New Zealand and India erupted into a political and cultural controversy after a senior minister described the deal as a “butter chicken tsunami," triggering accusations of racism. The backlash comes just days before Wellington is expected to sign the agreement in New Delhi, with the government promoting the pact as a “once in a generation" opportunity to boost trade with the world’s most populous country.

The controversy began after Shane Jones, deputy leader of coalition partner NZ First and Minister for Regional Development, criticised the proposed agreement during an interview with Reality Check Radio.

Read more: Invisible Supreme Leader: Why Iran’s Negotiators May Prefer Mojtaba Khamenei Stays Out Of Sight

“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," Jones said. His remarks were widely condemned by Indian community leaders and opposition politicians, who said the comment was offensive and racially charged.

Shanti Patel, president of the Auckland Indian Association, said the statement was deeply troubling.

“It’s incredibly worrying for everybody," Patel told public broadcaster RNZ. Opposition MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan went further, calling the remarks “outright racism."

“It’s unacceptable and politicians shouldn’t be making statements like he has," she said.

Read more: If US Goes To War Again, Does It Have Enough Missiles Left After Iran Bombardment?

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also distanced himself from the comments, describing them as “unhelpful."

India-New Zealand Trade Agreement

The proposed agreement is being pitched by the government as a major economic breakthrough that would help New Zealand businesses gain access to India’s vast domestic market. India is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world and the pact is seen as a strategic step to diversify New Zealand’s trade relationships.

Despite government support, NZ First has withdrawn backing for the deal, arguing it could lead to a significant rise in Indian migration to New Zealand. NZ First has also raised concerns over a NZ$34 billion (US$20 billion) investment commitment New Zealand would be required to make in India over a 15-year period.

News world ‘Butter Chicken Tsunami’: New Zealand Minister’s India Trade Remark Sparks Racism Row

Read More