Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of Navy for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), accompanies Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India to strengthen maritime cooperation and strategic ties. His agenda includes high-level discussions and operational interactions in both New Delhi and Mumbai March 16-21, aimed at enhancing the defence partnership between New Zealand and India.
The visit commenced on March 17 with RAdm Golding attending the prestigious Raisina Dialogue, where global security and maritime cooperation were key topics of discussion. The following day, he met with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), where the two leaders deliberated on enhancing naval ties, joint training programs, and collaborative maritime initiatives, according to Indian Navy’s Spokesperson.
Further strengthening defence ties, RAdm Golding is also scheduled to meet India’s senior military leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chiefs of the Army and Air Staff, and the Defence Secretary. These discussions are expected to reinforce New Zealand’s commitment to regional security and expand defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
As part of the visit, the New Zealand Navy Chief will travel to Mumbai to interact with Western Naval Command personnel and visit INS Surat, an indigenous guided-missile destroyer. His engagements in Mumbai will focus on exploring avenues for future collaboration in ship maintenance, technology exchange, and interoperability between the two Navies.
A key highlight of the visit will be the reception onboard HMNZS Te Kaha on March 20, hosted by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The event is expected to further cement the maritime partnership between India and New Zealand.
The visit also coincides with a landmark defence cooperation agreement signed between the two nations on March 17, following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Luxon in New Delhi. The pact aims to enhance maritime security, defence collaboration, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, marking a new chapter in India-New Zealand strategic relations.
Team BharatShakti
