India and New Zealand held their first Defence Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi, focusing on expanding defence ties, maritime security, training, and joint industry cooperation.
Mumbai | August 7, 2025: Marking a new chapter in bilateral defence cooperation, India and New Zealand conducted the inaugural edition of the India-New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on August 5, 2025. The talks were co-chaired by Shri Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence, India, and Ms Kathleen Pearce, Head of International Branch, Ministry of Defence, New Zealand.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the existing defence collaboration and explored avenues to further strengthen partnerships in training, capacity building, maritime security, and the defence industry. Discussions also extended to multinational cooperation and emerging areas of interest, particularly within global commons.
India acknowledged New Zealand’s successful command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150), where five Indian Navy personnel also served. Emphasis was also placed on enhancing White Shipping Information Exchange to improve maritime domain awareness and security.
The dialogue is a result of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025, further intensifying defence ties built on shared democratic values, people-to-people links, and mutual goodwill. This growing relationship was further cemented by the Indian President’s visit to New Zealand in August 2024 and a bilateral meeting between the Prime Ministers in March 2025.
During her visit, Ms Kathleen Pearce also met with Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on August 4, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening India–New Zealand defence relations.
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