Newshub can reveal there has been a possible diplomatic incident involving a high-powered dairy delegation from India.

Police have confirmed they are assessing a complaint from a woman who alleges she was “grabbed” and had “unwanted photographs” taken of her by two Indian men on this major trade visit.

The men were from a co-operative connected to the giant Indian dairy company called Amul. The delegation is here meeting with Government ministers and potential business partners. 

The woman who has complained is an employee of Ngāi Tahu Farms and alleges the “grabbing” took place at an event on Monday where Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and Agriculture under-secretary Jo Luxton were both present. They both say they did not see the alleged incident.

The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) was helping host the delegation and has said it is aware of the incident, and has contacted the police to offer assistance.

Newshub has heard from managing director of Amul Jayen Mehta, who has confirmed there was a complaint.

“I am working with the parties to see what can be done to make amends.”

Ngāi Tahu said they do not comment on individual employees.

The context here is that this is a high-stakes visit.

Amul is a massive company. It controls the dairy sector in India. India does not allow dairy imports at the moment, but if and when it does it would obviously be a game-changer for New Zealand exporters. 

So there are big questions here about how this will play out.

Source : Newshub New Zealand April 20th 2023 (Title edited)