India, New Zealand Deepen Maritime Security and Defence Ties

India and New Zealand hold their second Defence Strategic Dialogue to strengthen defence and maritime security cooperation. Both sides focus on information sharing, naval engagement, logistics, counter-terrorism and a free, open Indo-Pacific.

India and New Zealand have held the second India-New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue, with both sides discussing ways to strengthen defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. The dialogue provides a platform for reviewing ongoing defence engagements and identifying new areas for collaboration.

The discussions come as India and New Zealand deepen their strategic partnership and expand cooperation in the maritime domain. Earlier, the two countries agreed to establish an annual Maritime Security Dialogue to improve coordination, information sharing and cooperation on regional maritime challenges.

Maritime security remains a key area of mutual interest for the two countries, which share a commitment to a free, open, peaceful and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Their cooperation includes maritime information sharing, capacity building and operational coordination, aimed at contributing to greater stability across the region.

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India and New Zealand have also signed a Maritime Cooperation Arrangement that provides a framework for greater engagement between their maritime authorities and defence establishments. The arrangement supports dialogue, information exchange and joint activities in the maritime sector.

Cooperation in hydrography and nautical cartography is another important component of the partnership. The two countries have agreed to collaborate on hydrographic data sharing, production of navigational charts and capacity building. These initiatives can strengthen maritime domain awareness and improve the safety and efficiency of navigation.

The countries have also concluded a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement to facilitate reciprocal logistical assistance between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force. The framework is expected to support greater operational flexibility and enable closer cooperation during maritime deployments and other activities.

Defence cooperation is expanding beyond maritime security as well. India and New Zealand are strengthening collaboration in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and other emerging security challenges through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. Both sides are also working to improve cooperation against transnational organised crime, including illicit drug trafficking, financial crime, cyber-enabled crime and human trafficking.

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The latest dialogue gains significance following the elevation of India-New Zealand relations to a Strategic Partnership and the adoption of a Roadmap to 2030. The roadmap identifies defence, maritime security, technology and other areas as priorities for deeper bilateral engagement.

Through continued strategic dialogues, maritime arrangements, naval exercises and information-sharing mechanisms, India and New Zealand seek to build greater interoperability and strengthen their contribution to Indo-Pacific security.