Chief of Navy, Rnzn, Visits India to Strengthen Maritime Cooperation

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

The visit began on March 17 with RAdm Golding attending the Raisina Dialogue. On March 18, 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, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), where discussions focused on enhancing naval ties, joint training initiatives, and maritime cooperation. The New Zealand Navy Chief also interacted 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 also visited Mumbai where he interacted with the personnel of Western Naval Command, visited indigenous destroyer INS Surat, and explored avenues for future collaboration in ship maintenance and technology. On March 20, a significant highlight was 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.