India, New Zealand step up defence cooperation; focus on maritime security, joint training

Wellington: India and New Zealand held the second Defence Strategic Dialogue in Wellington on August 24, focusing on maritime security, joint military training and strengthening overall defence cooperation.

The talks were co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, and Richard Schmidt, Deputy Secretary, New Zealand Ministry of Defence.

Building on the strategic partnership elevated at the summit-level meeting last month, the two sides discussed implementation of the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2030.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and explored expanding military-to-military cooperation through joint exercises, cross-service personnel exchanges and defence staff college partnerships involving maritime, air and land forces.

The Indian delegation also held meetings with senior New Zealand Defence Force and Ministry of Defence officials, including the Vice Chief of Defence Force and Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.

Discussions covered defence procurement, operational coordination and upcoming joint engagements.

The two countries agreed to maintain momentum through regular high-level and ministerial exchanges. Both sides expressed confidence that the dialogue would further strengthen defence and security cooperation and make it a key pillar of the bilateral strategic partnership.