Archive · 15 Sep 2026
India, New Zealand Navies Deepen Maritime Cooperation Ties
India’s Navy chief visited New Zealand to improve cooperation between the two countries’ navies.
He met Rear Admiral Garin Golding, who leads the Royal New Zealand Navy.
They discussed ways for their navies to work together more closely.
They also talked about sharing more information about activities at sea.
The countries are considering holding their first bilateral naval exercise in 2027.
The visit began with a traditional Maori welcome in Auckland.
New Zealand’s navy also held a formal guard of honour for the Indian Navy chief.
The visit builds on an existing maritime security arrangement between India and New Zealand.
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan met Royal New Zealand Navy chief Rear Admiral Garin Golding during a visit to New Zealand.
The chiefs discussed stronger naval cooperation, operational engagement and improved maritime information exchange.
The discussions included plans for a maiden bilateral naval exercise in 2027.
Swaminathan received a traditional Maori Powhiri and a ceremonial guard of honour at HMNZS Philomel in Auckland.
The visit followed Swaminathan’s earlier stop in Australia and supports India’s MAHASAGAR maritime partnership vision.
- Who
- Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Rear Admiral Garin Golding, chiefs of the Indian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy.
- What
- They discussed strengthening naval cooperation, expanding operational engagement, improving maritime information exchange and holding a bilateral exercise in 2027.
- When
- Swaminathan’s Australia-New Zealand visit began on September 9; the New Zealand discussions were reported on September 14.
- Where
- HMNZS Philomel at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, New Zealand.
- Why
- To strengthen maritime security cooperation and professional and operational links between the two navies.
- Visiting official
- Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
- New Zealand counterpart
- Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy
- Existing framework
- India–New Zealand Maritime Security Cooperation Arrangement
- Planned activity
- A maiden bilateral naval exercise is being advanced for 2027
- Key cooperation area
- Greater maritime information exchange
- Welcome ceremony
- A traditional Maori Powhiri was held at Te Taua Moana Marae
- Location
- HMNZS Philomel, Devonport Naval Base, Auckland