New Delhi: Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and New Zealand Navy Chief Rear Admiral Garin Golding have agreed to advance plans for the first-ever bilateral naval exercise between their navies in 2027.
The discussions took place in Auckland as both nations explored ways to strengthen maritime security cooperation, improve information sharing, and expand operational engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
The development highlights the growing strategic partnership between India and New Zealand at a time when maritime security and regional stability are becoming increasingly important in the Indo-Pacific.
India-New Zealand Naval Partnership: High-Level Naval Talks Held In Auckland
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan held extensive discussions with Rear Admiral Garin Golding during his official visit to New Zealand.
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The talks focused on strengthening cooperation under the existing India-New Zealand Maritime Security Cooperation Arrangement and identifying new opportunities for collaboration between the two navies.
Both sides reviewed ongoing naval cooperation and discussed measures to improve maritime information exchange and operational coordination.
First Bilateral Naval Exercise Planned For 2027
One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to conduct the maiden bilateral naval exercise in 2027.
This will be the first standalone naval exercise between India and New Zealand, marking a major upgrade in defence and maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The exercise is expected to improve interoperability, strengthen operational understanding, and enhance the ability of both navies to work together during regional maritime missions.
What are the Focus Areas of India-New Zealand Naval Partnership
The two naval chiefs emphasized the importance of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. Discussions included improving maritime domain awareness, expanding operational engagement, and strengthening information-sharing mechanisms to address emerging security challenges.
Both countries support a free, open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, making naval cooperation an important pillar of their strategic relationship.
Growing Defence Partnership
India and New Zealand have steadily expanded their defence ties in recent years. In 2025, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation. Since then, cooperation has increased through naval engagements, maritime agreements, and defence exchanges.
The growing relationship reflects shared interests in regional stability, maritime security, and maintaining safe sea lanes across the Indo-Pacific.
Traditional Maori Welcome For Indian Navy Chief
Upon arriving in Auckland, Admiral Swaminathan received a traditional Maori Powhiri welcome at Te Taua Moana Marae, located at HMNZS Philomel naval base.
The ceremony symbolized friendship, respect, and the strong maritime bond between India and New Zealand. It also highlighted the cultural dimension of the growing defence partnership.
Historic Naval Connections
During the visit, Admiral Swaminathan also witnessed historical links between the two navies. One notable symbol of this connection is HMNZS Achilles, a World War II warship that later served in the Indian Navy as INS Delhi. This shared history continues to strengthen ties between the two maritime forces.
Visit Part Of India’s Wider Indo-Pacific Outreach
The New Zealand visit followed Admiral Swaminathan’s official engagements in Australia. His meetings with Australian defence leaders focused on maritime cooperation, interoperability, and regional security, reflecting India’s broader strategy of strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
India has been actively expanding defence and naval cooperation with several friendly countries, including Australia, Japan, Vietnam, and New Zealand, to promote regional peace and stability.
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FAQs
Both countries share interests in maritime security, regional stability, and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Increased naval cooperation helps improve coordination and information sharing.
It is the first-ever bilateral naval exercise planned between the Indian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy, expected to take place in 2027 to strengthen maritime cooperation.
The naval chiefs discussed maritime security cooperation, operational engagement, maritime information exchange, and preparations for the first bilateral naval exercise in 2027.
