New Zealand politicians have sparred over remarks made by New Zealand First MP Shane Jones regarding the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jones drew criticism from both opposition and government figures for comments perceived as inappropriate and unprofessional.

Jones made the remarks during New Zealand First’s party convention on Saturday, referencing politicians from various parties who attended events with Modi. He said those politicians should "take off your kneepads" when receiving a foreign leader. When pressed for clarification, Jones explained that the comment was intended to criticize what he described as "excessive submissiveness" in New Zealand’s political culture toward foreign leaders. His remarks were seen as a direct jab at politicians who supported Modi’s visit and the recently signed free trade agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and India—a deal opposed by New Zealand First.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who has New Zealand First ministers in his Cabinet, called Jones’s remarks “crass and unprofessional,” emphasizing the need for politicians to be responsible in their language. Luxon stressed the importance of presenting New Zealand positively on the international stage, noting that while NZ First opposes the India FTA, one of their ministers, Mark Patterson, recently promoted New Zealand wool exports to India in the context of the new trade agreement.

Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins also condemned Jones’s comments. Hipkins said the statement was "completely inappropriate" and indicative of potential dysfunction should the current opposition form a government. He added that if Jones were a Labour MP, he would be expelled from the party for such conduct. Hipkins further warned that continued cabinet infighting with figures like Jones and Winston Peters could lead to increased political instability and hinder progress for New Zealand.

NZ First leader Winston Peters responded by distancing himself from the remarks, saying the speech was “yesterday’s” and implying it was not representative of the party’s current stance.

Modi’s visit marked the first official trip by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades and was largely centered around strengthening bilateral ties and promoting the newly established trade pact. The India-New Zealand FTA aims to eliminate tariffs on key exports, notably benefiting New Zealand’s agricultural sectors.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within New Zealand politics regarding the handling of foreign relations and trade agreements, with NZ First maintaining a critical view of the India FTA despite the broader government’s support.