It was supposed to be a routine diplomatic exchange. Instead, it turned into a masterclass in journalism when Palki Sharma put new zealand Prime minister Christopher Luxon on the spot — and didn’t let him wriggle away.
The topic was Khalistani extremism, a menace india has repeatedly flagged with Western governments. When Sharma asked Luxon how his country planned to deal with these separatist elements openly operating from new zealand, the PM gave the same tired line: “We believe in freedom of speech.”
Safe answer, right? Wrong.
What came next was a sledgehammer disguised as a question. Sharma calmly asked:
👉 “If Al-Qaeda or isis demanded a referendum in new zealand, would you still say the same?”
The effect was immediate. Luxon froze, visibly rattled. His defense of “freedom of speech” suddenly looked flimsy, exposed as a shield for selective inaction. In that one brutal counter, Sharma ripped apart the West’s double standards: why is Khalistani extremism brushed off as free expression, while isis and Al-Qaeda are treated as global threats?
This was not just clever questioning — it was a turning point. Luxon, a leader known for his smooth political tone, found himself cornered in public. For the first time, he was forced to confront the uncomfortable truth that supporting anti-India propaganda in the name of “liberty” could make his country complicit in nurturing extremism.
More importantly, Sharma’s words struck a personal chord. Luxon’s attempt to balance liberal values with national security suddenly looked irresponsible, even naïve. No leader wants to be seen as someone who can’t distinguish between free speech and terrorist rhetoric. And in that instant, Sharma ensured Luxon would carry this sting long after the cameras stopped rolling.
For india, this was more than a fiery exchange — it was a diplomatic statement delivered through a journalist. It showed that New delhi is no longer willing to tolerate foreign soil being misused for separatist propaganda, and it reminded the West that freedom cannot be a convenient excuse for harboring anti-India radicals.
Palki Sharma didn’t just ask a question. She landed a knockout.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel