Labour Party criticises Prime Minister's shift on India membership.
The Labour Party has accused Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of abandoning New Zealand's long-held opposition to India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The decision, outlined in a joint statement with India, appears to contradict New Zealand's principled stance against countries without a signed Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) membership.
According to Labour's disarmament spokesperson Phil Twyford, New Zealand has traditionally aligned itself with Ireland, Austria, and China in opposing India's entry into the NSG due to its lack of NPT signature. The NSG aims to prevent nuclear trade contributing to proliferation.
Twyford expressed concern that Luxon had "given away our position on a significant anti-nuclear issue" without adequate consultation or consideration for New Zealand's independent foreign policy. The Labour Party is proud of New Zealand's nuclear-free status and criticises the Prime Minister's actions as a "shameful" abandonment of principle.
The move has sparked debate about New Zealand's stance on international trade agreements and its commitment to maintaining an independent foreign policy.