The second edition of Defence Strategic Dialogue between India and New Zealand took place in Wellington on August 24, 2026. Co-chaired by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence Shri Amitabh Prasad and Deputy Secretary, New Zealand Ministry of Defence Mr Richard Schmidt, the high-level talks focused on advancing maritime security, joint military training, and overall defence cooperation.

Building on the shared framework established at the summit-level meeting last month, both delegations engaged in comprehensive discussions to advance the newly elevated Strategic Partnership. Key agenda items focused on implementing the strategic targets outlined in the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2030.

The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Delegations extensively reviewed options to expand military-to-military engagement via joint training exercises, cross-service personnel exchanges, and defence staff college partnerships across maritime, air, and land units.

Alongside the dialogue, the visiting Indian delegation conducted high-level meetings with key leaders of the New Zealand Defence Force and Ministry of Defence to further anchor actionable strategic convergence. The delegation held productive discussions with the Vice Chief of Defence Force, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, and the Deputy Secretary Capability Delivery. These engagements focused on accelerating joint capital procurement insights, matching operational frameworks, and ensuring seamless coordination for upcoming engagements.

The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to accelerate the momentum via regular high-level and ministerial-level exchanges. Both countries expressed confidence that the actions taken during this dialogue will significantly elevate defence and security coordination, cementing it as a key pillar of their bilateral relationship.

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SR/Savvy