There's concerns the India-New Zealand relationship could be strained by the high number of student visa rejections.

Immigration NZ figures show applications between October 1 2023 and May 6 2024 for student visas by Indian nationals had an approval rate of 47 percent.

The Immigration Minister has claimed it's not 'blanked geographic discrimination', but rather concern surrounding more high-risk applicants out of India.

Waitakere Indian Association President Sunil Kaushal doesn't believe this argument. 

"India is a diverse land, we know that there are many talented and skilled people out there who want to further their education - and coming to New Zealand is a great opportunity for that." 

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