India, New Zealand Plan First Bilateral Naval Exercise in 2027

India and New Zealand advance maritime cooperation by planning their first bilateral naval exercise in 2027, while expanding operational engagement, information sharing and interoperability to support a secure Indo-Pacific.

India and New Zealand are strengthening maritime and naval cooperation, with the two countries discussing plans for their first-ever bilateral naval exercise in 2027. The development comes as Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan visits New Zealand to expand operational engagement and professional ties between the two navies.

During his visit, Admiral Swaminathan holds substantive discussions with Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy, at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. The talks focus on enhancing operational cooperation, strengthening maritime information exchange and expanding practical engagement between the two maritime forces.

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A key outcome of the discussions is the proposal for a maiden bilateral naval exercise in 2027. The exercise is expected to provide both navies with opportunities to improve interoperability, exchange operational experience and strengthen coordination across the maritime domain. Greater information sharing is also identified as an important area for improving maritime domain awareness and supporting coordinated responses to emerging maritime challenges.

The latest engagement builds on the expanding India-New Zealand defence partnership. In July 2026, the two countries establish several maritime-focused arrangements covering maritime cooperation, hydrography and nautical cartography, and mutual logistics support. India and New Zealand also agree to establish a Maritime Security Dialogue to deepen coordination and information exchange in the Indo-Pacific.

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The relationship also benefits from growing operational interaction. New Zealand notes India's participation in the New Zealand-led Combined Task Force 150 drug-interdiction operations in the Indian Ocean, while naval ship visits and professional exchanges continue to expand. Both countries share an interest in maintaining a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region.

The proposed 2027 exercise therefore represents a significant step in translating the broader strategic partnership into sustained naval cooperation. It is expected to strengthen professional linkages, maritime security coordination and interoperability while contributing to stability across the wider Indo-Pacific.