Free Palestine protesters are also within the crowd.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Tensions remain high and police officers are starting to spread further out between the groups of protesters.<\/p>\n
An estimated few thousand Modi supporters are starting to filter towards the Spark Arena entrance.<\/p>\n
Police have created a 15m gap between protesters as Modi fans are starting to filter slowly inside the arena.<\/p>\n
The remigration group is attempting to push past the police cordon. <\/p>\n
A news photographer at the event said a walking bridge close to the venue has been closed because it is too full of people.<\/p>\n
Police line up to face protesters outside Spark Arena during a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.<\/p>\n
The police presence has risen to over 100. Small children are among the crowd.<\/p>\n
A woman has been ushered out of the crowd by police, apparently struggling to breathe. <\/p>\n
A woman apparently struggling to breathe was ushered out of the crowd outside the Spark Arena by police.<\/p>\n
Khalistan protesters are hitting a LifeSize cutout of Modi with their fists. <\/p>\n
\u201cWho is the killer of human rights, Modi,\u201d they chant as they hit his lifesize photo. <\/p>\n
Two protesters have ripped an Indian flag as the group continues to chant.<\/p>\n
Earlier, speaking to media after Modi\u2019s whirlwind visit to mark the signing of a free trade agreement between the two nations, Luxon said both sides understood what the FTA meant.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He said today\u2019s bilateral meetings presented a chance for the two countries to share an aligned relationship after a few years of not sharing many plans.<\/p>\n
Luxon said there\u2019s a good opportunity for staff to have exchanges and to build relationships in defence. <\/p>\n
Luxon previously welcomed Indian PM Narendra Modi to the India-New Zealand \u201cA Winning Partnership\u201d Celebration, which is focused on sporting connections and collaboration between the two countries.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s bilateral meeting.<\/p>\n
The partnership came at a time the world was\u201cincreasingly volatile and uncertain\u201d, making strong partnerships \u201cmore important than ever before\u201d.<\/p>\n
This [strategic partnership] provides a stronger platform for practical cooperation in prosperity, security and people-to-people connections\u201d.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Under Modi, India had become one of the world\u2019s fastest and largest-growing economies, while New Zealand offered expertise in food production, education, technology and tourism sustainability, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether we can support job creation, expand trade, attract innovation and create new opportunities in India and New Zealand.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u201cunity through sport\u201d. <\/p>\n
This would include sporting, community and cultural events across the country, he said.<\/p>\n
The announcement came during a whirlwind 24-hour visit by Modi.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis roadmap reflects the breadth of the relationship \u2013 from trade, investment and technology to maritime security, education, tourism, sport, agriculture and community,\u201d Luxon said.<\/p>\n
\u201cImplementing 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will reduce barriers, give businesses greater certainty and unlock new opportunities across goods, services, investment, education and tourism \u2013 supporting Kiwi businesses to grow, create jobs and lift incomes.”<\/p>\n
Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Government House in Auckland. Photo \/ Dean Purcell<\/p>\n
Luxon said the FTA will reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand\u2019s exports to India once fully implemented. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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\u2019s goal of building the future by doubling the value of exports by 2034.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew Zealand\u2019s prosperity and security depend on a stable and secure Indo-Pacific,\u201d Luxon said.<\/p>\n
Christopher Luxon welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Government House in Auckland this morning. Photo \/ Bruce Mackay<\/p>\n
Modi, who is one of the world\u2019s most high-profile leaders, arrived at Auckland Airport late last night before his action-packed day today. <\/p>\n
He was this morning welcomed with a p\u014dwhiri 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.<\/p>\n
The two then spoke publicly, before a formal bilateral meeting.<\/p>\n
Luxon thanked Modi for his \u201ctruly historic visit\u201d to New Zealand, which was taking place at a time when \u201cwe are living in a very complex world\u201d.<\/p>\n
Luxon said it was a significant milestone in the NZ-India relationship. <\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for the relationship and what you\u2019ve put into it \u2026 today\u2019s focus is about more than just the FTA [Free Trade Agreement].<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to meeting with you today \u2026 [it\u2019s a] pleasure to see you, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Government House. Photo \/ Bruce Mackay<\/p>\n
Luxon was forced to briefly stop his remarks after some members of the Indian media contingent said the translation headsets weren\u2019t working. <\/p>\n
\u201cIs there a problem with the translator or the Prime Minister?\u201d Luxon joked, prompting laughter around the table. <\/p>\n
Modi began his response with a series of greetings, including \u201cKia ora\u201d. <\/p>\n
There was a \u201crenewed energy \u2026 and renewed resolve\u201d in the two countries\u2019 relationship, Modi said. <\/p>\n
He said today\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like we were made for each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
The FTA had been made in a very short time, Modi said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI express my heartfelt gratitude to you and the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2018Historic event\u2019<\/p>\n