Rear Admiral David Proctor, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, Engages in Official Visit to India
Rear Admiral David Proctor, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, embarked on an official visit to India from 19th to 27th February 2024. His visit underscores the strengthening ties between the naval forces of India and New Zealand, aimed at fostering bilateral maritime cooperation and bolstering regional security.
During his visit, Rear Admiral David Proctor held constructive discussions with Admiral R. Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy, in New Delhi on 20th February 2024. The rendezvous commenced with Rear Admiral David Proctor being accorded the customary Guard of Honour on the prestigious South Block Lawns, a gesture symbolizing the warm reception and mutual respect between the two naval establishments.
The high-level deliberations between the naval dignitaries encompassed various facets of maritime collaboration, accentuating avenues to enhance operational synergies, facilitate training exchanges, and bolster information-sharing mechanisms. Rear Admiral David Proctor’s itinerary also encompasses his participation in the Indian Navy’s flagship Exercise MILAN 24, hosted in Visakhapatnam, alongside pivotal engagements at the Western Naval Command headquarters.
The maritime partnership between the Indian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy has witnessed remarkable growth since the visit of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy, to New Zealand in October 2022. A significant milestone achieved during this period was the finalisation of the Technical Arrangement on White Shipping Information Exchange, reinforcing the foundations for robust maritime domain awareness. Moreover, the navies of both nations have been actively fostering interoperability through regular port calls, with the latest being the visits of INS Kolkata and INS Sahyadri to Auckland and Wellington in September 2023. Additionally, joint naval exercises and interactions, such as Passage Exercises (PASSEX) conducted in the Tasman Sea, further exemplify the shared commitment towards promoting regional stability and maritime security.
This visit by Rear Admiral David Proctor underscores the mutual desire of India and New Zealand to deepen their maritime partnership, fostering enduring cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.