New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has made it clear that his government will not allow the Khalistan issue to disrupt relations with India, stressing that Wellington will take strict action against any form of intimidation, threats or violence linked to extremist activity.
Speaking in an interview with CNN‑News18, Luxon said New Zealand remains a liberal democracy that values freedom of speech, but those rights “come with responsibilities.” He emphasised that while peaceful expression is protected, criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. “Any threats of intimidation or violence are utterly unacceptable, and our police are alert to those issues and manage those well,” he said.
Luxon acknowledged the emotional and historical weight the Khalistan issue carries for India, noting that it has caused “a huge amount of pain and suffering and a tremendous loss of lives and livelihoods.” Despite this, he firmly stated that the matter would not become an obstacle in India–New Zealand relations. “No, I don’t think so,” he said when asked whether the issue could hurt bilateral ties.
The New Zealand leader also addressed questions about whether his country would permit a Khalistan referendum, a demand raised by some overseas groups. Luxon did not commit to any such move, reiterating instead that New Zealand’s laws will guide all decisions and that public safety remains the top priority.
His remarks come at a time when several Western nations are reassessing how to handle transnational extremism while maintaining strong diplomatic ties with India. Luxon’s comments signal Wellington’s intent to strike a balance — protecting democratic freedoms while ensuring extremist activities do not spill over into violence or disrupt international partnerships.