Free Palestine protesters are also within the crowd.
The biggest group of protesters are from Khalistan, a separatist movement seeking to create a homeland for Sikhs in the Punjab region of India. There are about 15 people in the remigration group.
Tensions remain high and police officers are starting to spread further out between the groups of protesters.
An estimated few thousand Modi supporters are starting to filter towards the Spark Arena entrance.
Police have created a 15m gap between protesters as Modi fans are starting to filter slowly inside the arena.
The remigration group is attempting to push past the police cordon.
A news photographer at the event said a walking bridge close to the venue has been closed because it is too full of people.
Police line up to face protesters outside Spark Arena during a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The police presence has risen to over 100. Small children are among the crowd.
A woman has been ushered out of the crowd by police, apparently struggling to breathe.
A woman apparently struggling to breathe was ushered out of the crowd outside the Spark Arena by police.
Khalistan protesters are hitting a LifeSize cutout of Modi with their fists.
“Who is the killer of human rights, Modi,” they chant as they hit his lifesize photo.
Two protesters have ripped an Indian flag as the group continues to chant.
Earlier, speaking to media after Modi’s whirlwind visit to mark the signing of a free trade agreement between the two nations, Luxon said both sides understood what the FTA meant.
He said New Zealand needed to have as many relationships as possible around the world that share plans areas such as in defence and trade.
He said today’s bilateral meetings presented a chance for the two countries to share an aligned relationship after a few years of not sharing many plans.
Luxon said there’s a good opportunity for staff to have exchanges and to build relationships in defence.
Luxon previously welcomed Indian PM Narendra Modi to the India-New Zealand “A Winning Partnership” Celebration, which is focused on sporting connections and collaboration between the two countries.
However, Luxon started his speech to the audience of a couple of hundred people at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland by speaking about the new strategic partnership announced after this morning’s bilateral meeting.
The partnership came at a time the world was“increasingly volatile and uncertain”, making strong partnerships “more important than ever before”.
This [strategic partnership] provides a stronger platform for practical cooperation in prosperity, security and people-to-people connections”.
It would deepen both countries links in trade, investment, education, technology, sport and tourism while also allowing closer cooperation on defence, maritime security and law enforcement, Luxon said.
Under Modi, India had become one of the world’s fastest and largest-growing economies, while New Zealand offered expertise in food production, education, technology and tourism sustainability, he said.
“Together we can support job creation, expand trade, attract innovation and create new opportunities in India and New Zealand.”
Luxon noted it had been 100 years since the Indian Army hockey team toured New Zealand in the first sporting contest between the countries as he announced a year-long programme celebrating a century of “unity through sport”.
This would include sporting, community and cultural events across the country, he said.
The announcement came during a whirlwind 24-hour visit by Modi.
The two Prime Ministers met this morning at Government House in Auckland, where they agreed on a Roadmap to 2030 for the strategic partnership, including an ambitious goal to double two-way trade by 2030.
“This roadmap reflects the breadth of the relationship – from trade, investment and technology to maritime security, education, tourism, sport, agriculture and community,” Luxon said.
“Implementing our New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement is central to that plan. It is a landmark achievement that will drive long-term growth for both countries.
“It will reduce barriers, give businesses greater certainty and unlock new opportunities across goods, services, investment, education and tourism – supporting Kiwi businesses to grow, create jobs and lift incomes.”
Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Government House in Auckland. Photo / Dean Purcell
Luxon said the FTA will reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India once fully implemented.
“It will unlock new opportunities to grow our goods and services exports into a market of 1.4 billion people and contribute to achieving the Government’s goal of building the future by doubling the value of exports by 2034.”
Luxon said the roadmap has a significant focus on maritime security, including a maritime co-operation arrangement between the New Zealand and Indian defence forces.
“New Zealand’s prosperity and security depend on a stable and secure Indo-Pacific,” Luxon said.
Christopher Luxon welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Government House in Auckland this morning. Photo / Bruce Mackay
Modi, who is one of the world’s most high-profile leaders, arrived at Auckland Airport late last night before his action-packed day today.
He was this morning welcomed with a pōwhiri to Government House in Auckland. He was greeted by Luxon with the two prime ministers hugging and shaking hands, before walking up red-carpeted steps into a marquee.
The two then spoke publicly, before a formal bilateral meeting.
Luxon thanked Modi for his “truly historic visit” to New Zealand, which was taking place at a time when “we are living in a very complex world”.
Luxon said it was a significant milestone in the NZ-India relationship.
“Thank you for the relationship and what you’ve put into it … today’s focus is about more than just the FTA [Free Trade Agreement].
“I’m looking forward to meeting with you today … [it’s a] pleasure to see you, my friend.”
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Government House. Photo / Bruce Mackay
Luxon was forced to briefly stop his remarks after some members of the Indian media contingent said the translation headsets weren’t working.
“Is there a problem with the translator or the Prime Minister?” Luxon joked, prompting laughter around the table.
Modi began his response with a series of greetings, including “Kia ora”.
There was a “renewed energy … and renewed resolve” in the two countries’ relationship, Modi said.
He said today’s meeting would strengthen their bilateral efforts for peace, safety and stability in the world. New Zealand and India shared democratic values and were maritime countries, he said.
“It’s like we were made for each other.”
The FTA had been made in a very short time, Modi said.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to you and the team.”
‘Historic event’
Luxon earlier told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast that Modi’s first visit would be a “historic event”.
The leader, who is staying at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland, drew around 80 people last night as he arrived.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was officially welcomed to Government House in Auckland this morning. Photo / Bruce Mackay
A wero (traditional Māori challenge) was performed as part of the pōwhiri. Photo / Bruce Mackay
Around midday, a live forum was planned to showcase six or seven business sectors “that are of interest to India”, followed by a celebration lunch.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins is also expected to meet Modi in the late afternoon.
Modi’s visit will end with a “massive community event” which thousands of Kiwi Indians were expected to attend at Spark Arena.
One News reported the venue was set to be at capacity, which would be more than 13,000 people.
The Indian leader was then set to depart New Zealand late this evening.
Modi has an action-packed day ahead of him after exchanging a welcome hug with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon last night.
Heightened security presence
Police operation commander Inspector Grae Anderson this week said additional support from specialist groups was being deployed, including public order teams from across the country.
“These specialist resources will be able to assist with supporter crowds or any other disruptions that may occur.”
Anderson said, given the stature of the visit, the public should expect some disruptions to parts of the city.
Global Risk Consulting Group managing director Chris Kumeroa said authorities kept public security plans broad, so people weren’t able to search for “vulnerabilities”.
The former NZSAS trooper said they could also use a “show of force” to demonstrate a physical security presence and manage risks.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and India PM Narendra Modi wave at media ahead of their bilateral meeting. Photo / Interest.co.nz
‘Taking my guns to please Modi’
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki made incendiary social media comments last month, accusing Modi of targeting Indian Christians with threats and violence.
He later called for “Modi’s visit to be banned and for the India-NZ FTA to be torpedoed”.
“I think we should reciprocate in kind. Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims,” Tamaki said.
Brian Tamaki speaks to supporters at Auckland Domain. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
“And, while we’re at it, if they’re burning churches down, why don’t we burn mosques and their temples down? Tit for tat.”
Tamaki was served a “temporary firearms licence suspension notice” last month by police and had several hunting weapons confiscated.
The police operation at Tamaki’s home followed his reference on a podcast to using a shotgun to protect his family from immigrants.
Tamaki told the Herald he was speaking figuratively.
After the seizure by police, Tamaki claimed his guns were taken because the Government and police were “bending over backwards” before Modi’s visit.
In a Facebook post, Tamaki accused the police and the Government of “taking my guns to please Modi” after an official notice from the Firearms Safety Authority on his temporary gun suspension.