India and New Zealand held their second Defence Strategic Dialogue in Wellington on August 24, 2026. The Ministry of Defence led the Indian side while New Zealand’s Defence Ministry participated, with both nations discussing ways to strengthen military ties and work together on security matters in the Indo-Pacific region.
What was discussed
Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad from India’s Ministry of Defence co-chaired the talks with Richard Schmidt, Deputy Secretary of New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence. The two delegations examined how to implement targets set out in the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2030.
The main focus areas included:
- Maritime security cooperation
- Joint military training exercises
- Cross-service personnel exchanges between the two countries
- Defence staff college partnerships across maritime, air, and land forces
- Joint capital procurement and defence equipment insights
- Matching operational frameworks for better coordination
Both countries reaffirmed their vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The Indian delegation also met separately with New Zealand’s Vice Chief of Defence Force, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, and other senior defence officials to discuss accelerating joint projects and ensuring smooth coordination for future defence engagements.
The dialogue built on a summit-level meeting between the two nations held the previous month. Both sides agreed to maintain regular high-level and ministerial exchanges to keep momentum on defence cooperation going forward.
What this means for you
This dialogue signals that India is deepening security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, a region critical for Indian strategic interests. Indian military personnel may increasingly train and work with New Zealand counterparts, while defence procurement discussions could lead to equipment sharing or joint development projects. The emphasis on maritime security reflects concerns about maintaining stable sea routes and freedom of navigation in the region, which ultimately affects India’s trade and security environment.