Auckland (The NZ Today)
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan will visit New Zealand from 9 September as part of an official tour aimed at strengthening defence and maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).
The visit comes after India and New Zealand elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand in July, with both countries agreeing to expand cooperation in areas including defence and maritime security.
During his New Zealand visit, Admiral Swaminathan is expected to hold discussions with senior leadership of the Royal New Zealand Navy and New Zealand defence officials.
The talks will focus on strengthening cooperation between the two navies, including operational engagement, information sharing, training programmes and professional exchanges.
The Indian Navy Chief will also visit key operational and training facilities and interact with Royal New Zealand Navy personnel and officers undergoing professional military education.
The visit follows the recently concluded Maritime Cooperation Arrangement between India and New Zealand, which provides a framework for expanding practical cooperation in the maritime domain.
Admiral Swaminathan’s wider visit also includes Australia, where he will meet senior leadership of the Royal Australian Navy to discuss naval cooperation, interoperability, maritime security and emerging defence technologies.
The Indian Navy said the visit reflects India’s commitment to deepening maritime partnerships with Australia and New Zealand and contributing towards peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Source: Press Information Bureau (Government of India).
