Wellington, Feb 11 (NationPress) The recent selection of New Zealand’s inaugural Resident Defence Advisor to India emphasizes the strengthening bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Commodore Andy Dowling of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has been designated to the New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi for a three-year tenure beginning in late January 2026. This move illustrates India’s increasing emphasis on defence collaboration and other strategic connections as part of the Act East Policy, according to a report from the military publication ‘Indo-Pacific Defense Forum’ released on Wednesday.

“We are witnessing the Act East policy actively with the Indian Navy, particularly as they deploy from the Indian Ocean, engage in exercises with other countries, and make visits to New Zealand and Australia. This trend is set to grow in the coming years,” Dowling remarked in the report.

As New Zealand’s first full-time Defence Advisor to India, Dowling's role will enable Wellington to gain deeper insights into the Indian defence system, allowing them to identify and explore collaborative opportunities for both nations.

He acknowledged the parallels between the two navies, especially in terms of air operations and at-sea refuelling capabilities.

“They possess P-8 aircraft similar to ours, operate the MH-60 helicopter, and utilize the C-130J Hercules. Their hydrographer training aligns closely with ours, and they maintain a sea training group akin to our Maritime Training Group. Their structures and capabilities are ones we recognize,” he stated.

The report noted that Dowling's appointment came just one month after an important Free Trade Agreement was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, which underscored the need for enhanced defence collaboration.

“In the first half of 2025, under the multinational Combined Maritime Forces led by the United States, the RNZN spearheaded a counternarcotics task force in the Western Indian Ocean, with the Indian Navy serving as second in command. During this mission, the Indian Navy frigate INS Tarkash successfully seized over 2,500 kilograms of hashish and heroin,” the report highlighted.

Moreover, the RNZN frigate HMNZS Te Kaha made a port call in Mumbai during this task force deployment, coinciding with Luxon’s visit to India where discussions with PM Modi included the signing of a defence cooperation agreement.

“I reiterated New Zealand’s strong commitment to collaborating with India to address mutual concerns and contribute to ensuring a robust, stable, and prosperous region,” Luxon stated.

PM Modi also emphasized the need for both nations to deepen cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism.

“We both endorse a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Our focus is on development, not expansionism,” he remarked.