New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, accompanied by Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy (CN-RNZN), visited the Indian Navy’s latest indigenous destroyer, INS Surat, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai today. The high-profile visit underscored the growing maritime cooperation between the two nations.
The Prime Minister was received onboard by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Western Naval Command. During the visit, Luxon and his delegation were given an extensive briefing on INS Surat’s advanced design, state-of-the-art technology, and formidable capabilities, highlighting its crucial role in bolstering India’s maritime security, according to the Indian Navy Spokesperson.
Commissioned on 15 January, INS Surat is the Indian Navy’s latest guided missile destroyer. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, the warship exemplifies the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, boasting over 75% indigenous content.
The Prime Minister’s visit coincides with the port call of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s frigate, HMNZS Te Kaha, in Mumbai from 19 to 24 March. Commodore Rodger Ward, Commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, is also in Mumbai for discussions, further strengthening naval ties between the two nations, the official disclosed.
As part of the visit, CN-RNZN Rear Admiral Golding held discussions with Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, focusing on strategic naval engagements and cooperation between the Indian and New Zealand navies. The delegation was also briefed on the role of the Western Naval Command in regional security. Later, Golding visited the Heritage Hall at the Naval Dockyard and met with the Admiral Superintendent of Dockyard to discuss technical support for HMNZS Te KahaтАЩs scheduled visit in April 2025.
Several activities have been planned as part of the visit, including cross-deck interactions, sporting events, and social engagements to enhance interoperability and strengthen bilateral ties. Upon departure, HMNZS Te Kaha will participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Indian Navy, further reinforcing operational coordination and the shared commitment to regional maritime security.
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. On March 17, 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.
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
