New Zealand-India trade deal sparks racism backlash - Asia Specific podcast, BBC World Service

New Zealand has signed a major free trade deal with India, but a provision to lock in thousands of skilled migrants each year has sparked a backlash. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 https://bbc.in/3VyyriM The agreement promises economic benefits for both countries, including expanded trade and easier movement for Indian skilled workers. But a comment by a senior minister in the governing coalition describing the migration agreements as a “butter chicken tsunami” has ignited criticism and raised concerns about attitudes toward the Indian community. In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks with BBC journalist Vandhna Bhan and NZ BusinessDesk senior correspondent Dileepa Fonseka to unpack what’s actually in the deal, why immigration has become such a flashpoint, and what this reveals about New Zealand’s changing social landscape. 00:00 Introduction 01:17 What’s in the India-New Zealand free trade agreement? 02:57 What does immigration have to do with the deal? 04:14 Why are New Zealanders leaving and what gaps are they creating? 06:33 Why has the deal prompted vocal opposition? 09:15 How has the Indian community reacted and what was Shane Jones’ response? 11:16 Has the Indian government responded? 12:25 Recent incidents fuelling racism concerns in New Zealand 15:15 Has public sentiment shifted in recent years? 17:16 Survey: Are Kiwis more welcoming to British migrants than others? 19:23 With elections ahead, how political is this debate? Watch more episodes of Asia Specific here 👉🏽 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4c3njIxB0KHuO8SS2mBMtUc Instagram: @bbcworldservice Email: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk Presenter: Mariko Oi Producer: Derek Cai, Rachel Lee Camera: Khairul Danish Bin Mohd Roslee, Muhammad Firdaus Bin Mohd Ansary, Syaik Muhammad Sidik Editor: Bill Birtles ---------------- This is the official BBC World Service YouTube channel. If you like what we do, you can also find us here: Instagram 👉🏽 https://www.instagram.com/bbcworldservice Twitter 👉🏽 https://twitter.com/bbcworldservice Facebook 👉🏽 https://facebook.com/bbcworldservice BBC World Service website 👉🏽 https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldserviceradio Thanks for watching and subscribing! #BBCWorldService #WorldService #newzealand #india #immigration #fta