New Zealand to welcome two Indian warships in August for first time since 2016.

According to information published by Radio New Zealand on August 18, 2023, New Zealand is set to host two Indian naval vessels, INS Kolkata and INS Sahyadri, later this month. This marks the first visit by Indian naval ships to the country since 2016. The vessels are scheduled for a four-day resupply stop.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Indian Navy's Shivalik class frigate INS Sahyadri. (Picture source: PIB)

Both New Zealand and India, former British colonies, inherited naval practices from the British Royal Navy. However, since gaining independence, their naval pursuits have been shaped by unique regional concerns and strategic aims.

Over time, there have been occasional interactions between their naval forces, such as the notable visit of INS Sumitra to Auckland in 2016 for the International Naval Review. These events often lead to professional exchanges and training sessions.

The Indo-Pacific region's strategic significance has been underscored by the formation of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which includes India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.

While New Zealand isn't an official member of the Quad, its geographical location in the Pacific makes it an essential participant in discussions about the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific.

As part of the Quad, India is deeply involved in naval exercises and dialogues, advocating for a transparent, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Recognizing the Indo-Pacific's susceptibility to natural calamities, both New Zealand and India maintain naval forces for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). These forces have been instrumental during natural disasters like tsunamis and cyclones.