During his recent official visit to India, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy, engaged in high-level discussions with General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of India. The meeting, which took place on March 18, 2025, was a key highlight of Golding’s week-long visit from March 16 to 21. The primary focus of these discussions was to explore opportunities for strengthening defence ties between the two nations, with a particular emphasis on maritime cooperation, joint training programs, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific. The discussions revolved around enhancing operational engagements between the two armed forces and fostering high-level strategic dialogues to address shared security concerns. Both military leaders acknowledged the need for closer collaboration in response to emerging security threats in the region. Given the growing geopolitical complexities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, they underscored the importance of strengthening maritime security frameworks and interoperability between their respective naval forces. The meeting marked a significant step towards expanding defence cooperation and facilitating information exchange on key security issues.

As part of his visit, Rear Admiral Golding also paid tribute at India’s National War Memorial, honoring the sacrifices of Indian soldiers. This gesture reinforced the spirit of mutual respect and camaraderie between the two nations. Furthermore, Golding attended the prestigious Raisina Dialogue, a global platform for discussions on geopolitics and security, where he engaged with defence and strategic experts. His participation highlighted New Zealand’s growing interest in playing an active role in regional security dialogues and strengthening ties with India. The timing of this meeting is particularly significant as it follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and New Zealand, aimed at deepening their defence partnership and enhancing maritime safety efforts. This agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, an area of strategic importance where issues such as territorial disputes, maritime piracy, and freedom of navigation are growing concerns.

By reinforcing their defence ties, India and New Zealand seek to improve their capabilities in areas such as joint naval exercises, intelligence sharing, and coordinated efforts in disaster response and humanitarian assistance. The ongoing dialogue and planned engagements between the two nations signal a strong and sustained commitment to advancing defence cooperation. Moving forward, both countries are expected to explore new avenues for collaboration, including technology sharing and capacity-building initiatives, to address contemporary security challenges more effectively. As regional security dynamics continue to evolve, India and New Zealand’s strengthened defence engagement serves as a testament to their shared vision of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific. Their growing partnership is expected to contribute not only to the security interests of both nations but also to broader international efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.

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