New Zealand Navy Chief Visits India to Enhance Bilateral Defence Ties
New Delhi: Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), is currently on an official visit to India, aimed at bolstering maritime cooperation and bilateral ties between the two navies.
The six-day visit, which began on March 16, 2025, includes high-level discussions and operational interactions in New Delhi and Mumbai. On March 17, RAdm Golding attended the Raisina Dialogue, a key platform for global discussions on geopolitics and international relations.
The following day, he paid tribute to India’s fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. He also held bilateral meeting with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). The two naval chiefs engaged in fruitful discussions focused on enhancing naval ties, joint training initiatives, and maritime cooperation.
During his visit to Mumbai, the New Zealand Navy Chief will engage with personnel from the Western Naval Command and tour the indigenous destroyer INS Surat. He will also explore potential avenues for future collaboration in ship maintenance and technology.
A highlight of the visit will be a reception onboard HMNZS Te Kaha, hosted by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, on March 20. This event is expected to further strengthen India-New Zealand maritime relations.
RAdm Golding’s visit marks a significant milestone in the evolving defence relationship between India and New Zealand. By fostering deeper naval cooperation and reinforcing mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific, this visit underscores the growing importance of maritime cooperation between the two nations.
