Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), undertook a visit to New Zealand aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and deepening professional and operational linkages between the Indian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).
The visit opened with a traditional Māori Pōwhiri accorded to the CNS at Te Taua Moana Marae, located at HMNZS Philomel, Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. The ceremony — a powerful expression of manaakitanga, respect and welcome — is deeply woven into the identity of the Royal New Zealand Navy.
The welcome was followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour presented by the RNZN at HMNZS Philomel, known as the “Home of the Navy.”
A Link Spanning Generations
The occasion also drew on the shared naval history between India and New Zealand. The historic 6-inch turret of HMNZS Achilles — a warship that later served in the Indian Navy as INS Delhi — stood as a tangible link between the two navies, connecting their histories across generations.
Talks on Deeper Cooperation
Adm Swaminathan held substantive discussions with Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Building on the existing India–New Zealand Maritime Security Cooperation Arrangement, the two chiefs exchanged views on:
- Enhancing the overall partnership between the two navies
- Advancing operational engagement, including plans for a maiden bilateral naval exercise in 2027
- Exploring avenues for improved maritime information exchange
The discussions offered both sides an opportunity to strengthen practical cooperation, particularly through greater operational engagement and information sharing at sea.
Strategic Context
The visit reflects the enduring maritime partnership between India and New Zealand and underscores the shared commitment of both navies to deepen cooperation and operational linkages going forward.
It is also in keeping with the Government of India’s MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — reaffirming India’s broader commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships across the region.
