New Delhi: Adm Krishna Swaminathan, CNS, visit to New Zealand, aimed at further strengthening maritime cooperation and enhancing professional and operational linkages between the Indian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy, commenced with a traditional Māori Pōwhiri accorded to the CNS at Te Taua Moana Marae, at HMNZS Philomel, Devonport Naval Base, Auckland.
The Pōwhiri, a traditional Māori welcome, was a powerful expression of manaakitanga, respect and welcome, deeply woven into the identity of the Royal New Zealand Navy.
The traditional welcome was followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour accorded by the Royal New Zealand Navy at HMNZS Philomel, the ‘Home of the Navy’.
The ceremonial occasion also provided a backdrop to the shared naval history between India and New Zealand. The historic 6-inch turret of HMNZS Achilles, the warship that later served in the Indian Navy as INS Delhi, served as a tangible link between the two navies, spanning generations.
During the visit, Adm Krishna Swaminathan held substantive discussions with RAdm Garin Golding, Chief of Royal New Zealand Navy. Building upon the India–New Zealand Maritime Security Cooperation Arrangement, the two Chiefs exchanged views on enhancing the partnership between the two navies, advancing operational engagement, including a maiden bilateral naval exercise in 2027, and exploring ways to ensure better maritime information exchange.
The discussions provided an opportunity to further strengthen practical cooperation between the two navies, including through enhanced operational engagement and greater maritime information exchange.
The visit underscores the enduring maritime partnership between India and New Zealand and reflects the shared commitment of the Indian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy towards strengthening maritime cooperation and advancing operational linkages.
The engagement is in keeping with the Government of India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and India’s commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships in the region.
