Indian Navy Chief Receives Traditional Māori Welcome in New Zealand
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan's Visit to New Zealand
File image of Indian Navy chief Adm Krishna Swaminathan, was accorded a traditional Māori Pōwhiri at HMNZS Philomel, Devonport Naval Base, Auckland(Photo: @indiannavy/x)
Auckland, Sep 14: Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Chief of the Indian Navy, was warmly welcomed with a traditional Māori Powhiri on Monday at Te Taua Moana Marae, the cultural heart of the Royal New Zealand Navy, located at the HMNZS Philomel naval base in Auckland.
This heartfelt reception symbolizes the strong maritime connections and mutual respect between India and New Zealand.
In a post shared on X, the Indian Navy remarked, "Tradition spoke before words did. Adm Krishna Swaminathan, CNS, was welcomed with a traditional Māori Powhiri at Te Taua Moana Marae, at HMNZS Philomel, Devonport Naval Base, Auckland - a powerful expression of manaakitanga, respect and welcome, deeply woven into the identity of the NZ Navy. A uniquely New Zealand beginning to a visit anchored in enduring bonds, mutual respect and shared maritime traditions."
During his official trip, Admiral Swaminathan also met with Muanpuii Saiawi, the Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand, and Consul General Madan Mohan Sethi.
The Indian High Commission in New Zealand noted on X that the Chief of Naval Staff's visit coincides with the strengthening of bilateral relations and maritime cooperation between India and New Zealand.
Following successful engagements in Australia, Admiral Swaminathan's arrival in Auckland aims to enhance naval collaboration between the two nations.
This visit to New Zealand builds on the renewed momentum in India-New Zealand relations, particularly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country in July.
During PM Modi's trip, both nations elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, agreeing to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including defense and maritime security, as stated by the Ministry of Defence prior to Admiral Swaminathan's visit.
Admiral Swaminathan is scheduled to engage with senior officials from the Royal New Zealand Navy and New Zealand's defense leadership. Discussions will focus on enhancing operational interactions, information sharing, training, and professional exchanges between the two navies.
He will also visit key operational and training facilities and engage with personnel from the Royal New Zealand Navy, including officers undergoing military education.
The Defence Ministry emphasized the significance of this visit in light of the recently established Maritime Cooperation Arrangement, which expands the framework for practical maritime collaboration between India and New Zealand.
This visit highlights India's increasing defense and maritime engagement with Australia and New Zealand, showcasing the Indian Navy's commitment to deepening cooperation with both the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy through sustained maritime engagement, contributing to peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific.