Strengthening Maritime Co-Operation: Chief of Navy, RNZN, Visits India

New Delhi, March 18. RAdm Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), is in India on an official visit from March 16 to 21, 2025, towards strengthening maritime cooperation and bilateral ties between the two Navies. His engagements include high-level discussions and operational interactions at New Delhi and Mumbai.

The visit began on March 17 with RAdm Golding attending the Raisina Dialogue. On 18 March, he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, paying tribute to India’s fallen heroes. This was followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour and a bilateral meeting with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, where discussions focused on enhancing naval ties, joint training initiatives, and maritime cooperation. The New Zealand Navy Chief will also be interacting with senior defence leadership, including Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of the Air Staff and the Defence Secretary, reaffirming New Zealand’s commitment to regional security.

He will also be going to Mumbai where he will interact with the personnel of Western Naval Command, visit indigenous destroyer INS Surat, and explore avenues for future collaboration in ship maintenance and technology. On March 20, a significant highlight will be the reception onboard HMNZS Te Kaha, hosted by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, further strengthening India-New Zealand maritime relations.

RAdm Garin Golding’s visit marks a significant step in the evolution of India-New Zealand defence relations, fostering deeper naval cooperation and reinforcing mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific.