Navy Chief Krishna Swaminathan visiting Australia, New Zealand; naval ties set to support
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Krishna Swaminathan will undertake an official visit to Australia and New Zealand on September 9, 2026 to further strengthen India’s bilateral maritime cooperation with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).
According to the Indian Navy, during his visit to Australia, Admiral Swaminathan will hold discussions with Vice Admiral Matthew Buckley, Chief of Naval Operations, Royal Australian Navy, and engage with Australia’s defense leadership, including Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of Defense Forces, and Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Commander of Joint Operations.
The visit comes amid growing momentum in India-Australia relations following the third annual India-Australia Summit in July 2026 and the second India-Australia Defense Ministers’ Dialogue in June.
Enhanced links with the RAN
The two countries are constantly expanding defense and security cooperation, especially in the area of maritime security and regional engagement. The CNS discussions are expected to review ongoing naval cooperation and explore ways to improve operational interaction, interoperability, information sharing, training and expertise exchange between the Indian Navy and the RAN.
Admiral Swaminathan will also visit key operational and training facilities and interact with RAN personnel. Discussions during the visit will cover maritime capabilities, emerging technologies and professional military training, reflecting the expanding scope of cooperation between the two navies.
In New Zealand, the Navy Commander will meet Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of Naval Operations, Royal New Zealand Navy, and engage in the leadership of New Zealand’s defence.
The visit follows renewed momentum in India-New Zealand ties after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited New Zealand in July 2026, during which the two countries upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership and agreed to deepen cooperation in several areas, including defense and maritime security.
Operational interaction with RNZN
New Zealand’s participation will focus on enhancing operational interaction, information sharing, training and professional exchange between the two navies. Admiral Swaminathan will also visit key operational and training facilities and interact with RNZN personnel and officers undergoing professional military training.
The visit assumes significance against the backdrop of the recently concluded Maritime Cooperation Agreement, which provides an expanded framework for practical maritime cooperation between India and New Zealand.
The CNS visit to both countries underscores India’s growing naval engagement with Australia and New Zealand and the Indian Navy’s emphasis on sustained hands-on cooperation with like-minded partners.
These engagements are expected to further strengthen the maritime partnership and contribute to peace, security and stability in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region.
Published – 8 Sep 2026 21:44 IST