India and New Zealand Naval Chiefs Discuss Deepening Maritime Ties

New Delhi: Rear Admiral David Proctor, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, is on an official visit to India from February 19 to February 27, 2024. The visit aims to enhance bilateral maritime cooperation between India and New Zealand. RAdm David Proctor engaged with Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy, during a significant interaction at New Delhi on February 20, 2024.

The Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, was accorded a warm welcome with the customary Guard of Honour on the South Block Lawns. The high-level meeting between the naval leaders focused on exploring avenues to strengthen maritime cooperation. Discussions included plans for increased operational engagements, training exchanges, and information sharing to foster collaboration between the two naval forces.

RAdm David Proctor is scheduled to participate in the Indian Navy’s Flagship Exercise MILAN 2024 at Visakhapatnam. Additionally, he will undertake high-level engagements at the Western Naval Command, further solidifying the maritime ties between the two nations.

The maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy (IN) and Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has experienced substantial growth since the Chief of Naval Staff’s visit to New Zealand in October 2022. This visit marked the conclusion of a Technical Arrangement on White Shipping Information Exchange, enhancing communication and coordination between the two navies.

Regular port calls by warships from both navies have been a notable feature of this strengthened relationship, with the most recent visits being by INS Kolkata and INS Sahyadri to Auckland and Wellington in September 2023. Additionally, Indian Navy ships conducted Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Royal New Zealand Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force in the Tasman Sea post their departure.

The ongoing dialogues and collaborative efforts underscore the commitment of both India and New Zealand to fostering robust maritime ties and deepening cooperation for mutual benefit in the Indo-Pacific region.