On March 20, 2025, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand paid a visit to the Indian Navy’s newest guided missile destroyer, INS Surat, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Luxon’s visit, which was accompanied by Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding, highlights the growing maritime partnership between India and New Zealand.
The delegation was welcomed by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, who provided a comprehensive overview of INS Surat’s advanced technology and strategic importance for national maritime security.INS Surat, which was put into service on January 15, 2025, and has more than 75% indigenous content as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat plan, is a noteworthy accomplishment in India’s defense capabilities.
The RNZN’s HMNZS Te Kaha, which is moored in Mumbai from March 19 to 24, made a port call during the visit, significantly strengthening bilateral naval cooperation.
Strategic naval engagements and the changing security environment in the area were the main topics of conversation during their visit.
Additionally, Rear Admiral Golding met with the Admiral Superintendent at Naval Dockyard’s Heritage Hall to discuss possible technical assistance for HMNZS Te Kaha’s forthcomingINS Surat, which was put into service on January 15, 2025, and has more than 75% indigenous content as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat plan, is a noteworthy accomplishment in India’s defense capabilities.
The RNZN’s HMNZS Te Kaha, which is moored in Mumbai from March 19 to 24, made a port call during the visit, significantly strengthening bilateral naval cooperation.
Strategic naval engagements and the changing security environment in the area were the main topics of conversation during their visit.
Additionally, Rear Admiral Golding met with the Admiral Superintendent at Naval Dockyard’s Heritage Hall to discuss possible technical assistance for HMNZS Te Kaha’s forthcoming
