Wellington: India and New Zealand strengthen bilateral ties with focus on maritime security and defence cooperation through the 2nd India-New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue held in Wellington on August 24, 2026.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of Defence, and Richard Schmidt, Deputy Secretary in New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence. Both sides discussed maritime security, joint training, and defence cooperation under the Roadmap 2030 framework.
Details of India-New Zealand Defence Meeting
The second edition of the India-New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue took place in Wellington, New Zealand. India was represented by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, while New Zealand was represented by Deputy Secretary Richard Schmidt. The meeting focused on strengthening defence ties and advancing strategic cooperation between the two Indo-Pacific partners.
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India-New Zealand Defence Meeting: Focus On Maritime Security And Joint Training
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the dialogue concentrated on maritime security, joint military training, and broader defence cooperation. Both countries reviewed progress made since the inaugural dialogue and explored new opportunities for collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
Why Is Maritime Security A Key Priority
The Indo-Pacific has become one of the world’s most strategically important regions. India and New Zealand share common interests in maintaining a free, open, secure, and stable maritime environment.
Improved maritime cooperation can help both countries strengthen information sharing, coordination, and regional security.
Maritime Dialogue Framework Already Established
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand in July 2026, both countries agreed to establish a dedicated Maritime Security Dialogue. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and information exchange on maritime issues.
Roadmap 2030 Driving India-New Zealand Defence Meeting
India and New Zealand upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand. The two countries also launched the Roadmap 2030, which serves as a blueprint for future cooperation across multiple sectors.
Defence Cooperation Is A Core Pillar
Under Roadmap 2030, defence and security cooperation has been identified as a major pillar. The roadmap includes military exchanges, joint exercises, defence dialogues, personnel exchanges, and enhanced maritime cooperation.
How Defence Relations Have Expanded
India and New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation in March 2025. The agreement covers defence dialogue, defence industry cooperation, training, education, and technology collaboration.
First Defence Strategic Dialogue Held In 2025
The inaugural India-New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue was held in New Delhi on August 5, 2025. The first meeting focused on security perspectives and identifying areas to deepen bilateral defence cooperation.
India-New Zealand Defence Meeting: Key Areas Of Future Cooperation
Both countries are expected to continue expanding military-to-military engagement through training programs and personnel exchanges. Such initiatives help improve interoperability and understanding between defence forces.
Maritime Domain Awareness
Maritime domain awareness remains an important area of cooperation. Better information sharing can help both nations respond to regional security challenges and ensure safe maritime routes.
Indo-Pacific Security
India and New Zealand continue to support a stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. Defence cooperation is expected to contribute to regional peace, security, and economic stability.
Strategic Significance Of The Dialogue
The latest Defence Strategic Dialogue reflects the growing trust between India and New Zealand. As both nations strengthen their Strategic Partnership, defence cooperation is becoming an important pillar of bilateral relations.
The focus on maritime security, joint training, and defence engagement highlights the shared commitment of both countries to a secure Indo-Pacific region and stronger long-term strategic cooperation.
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FAQs
The meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad from India’s Ministry of Defence and Richard Schmidt from New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence.
The dialogue focused on maritime security, joint military training, defence cooperation, and implementation of the Roadmap 2030 objectives.
Maritime security supports safe sea routes, regional stability, information sharing, and stronger cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
