New Zealand Navy Chief Admiral David Proctor Receives Guard of Honour in Delhi

Defense News ,India :- In a significant diplomatic move, Rear Admiral David Proctor, Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy, received a warm welcome during his visit to Delhi. Admiral Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, greeted him at the South Block, fostering camaraderie between the naval leaders.

A poignant moment unfolded as Admiral Proctor laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, honoring the sacrifices of fallen soldiers. This gesture underscored the shared values and mutual respect between the two nations.

India and New Zealand have a longstanding relationship since the establishment of bilateral ties in 1952. Their friendly relations are deeply rooted in the Commonwealth, parliamentary democracy, and the English language, as highlighted by the Ministry of External Affairs. New Zealand's commitment to strengthening ties with India was evident in its "Opening Doors to India" policy, first outlined in 2011 and reiterated in 2015.

Recent discussions between the two nations, as mentioned by New Zealand's High Commissioner to India, David Pines, have focused on addressing trade barriers and boosting economic cooperation. The bilateral trade volume reached USD 1 billion in 2022-23, making India the 11th largest trading partner for New Zealand.

Pines emphasized the need for increased collaboration between business groups from both countries to identify trade opportunities. Despite the existing trade volume, both governments believe there is untapped potential for growth. Pines stated, "Trade in goods between the two countries is still pretty low," and highlighted the current efforts to facilitate regular dialogue between business communities.

Efforts have been made to address specific trade barriers, such as regulations affecting the export of logs from New Zealand to India. Pines acknowledged India's concerns about pests and emphasized the importance of ensuring compliance. Similarly, steps have been taken to allow the export of Indian mangoes to New Zealand, showcasing a commitment to resolving trade issues.

Rear Admiral David Proctor's visit not only strengthened the diplomatic ties between India and New Zealand but also marked a concerted effort to enhance economic collaboration. The ongoing discussions and initiatives aim to unlock the full potential of the bilateral relationship, with a focus on removing trade barriers and fostering mutual prosperity.