Wellington, New Zealand: New Zealand has appointed Commodore Andy Dowling as its first-ever resident Defence Adviser to India, marking a significant step in strengthening defence and security cooperation between the two countries.

Commodore Dowling is set to assume his new role at the New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi later this month. He will relocate from Australia, where he is currently serving as Defence Adviser. While New Zealand has previously accredited Defence Advisers to India from other countries, this marks the first time the position will be held by a full-time resident official based in New Delhi.

The appointment follows a period of intensified defence and diplomatic engagement, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to India in March. During the visit, both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, aimed at institutionalising regular defence dialogue and expanding bilateral collaboration.

Commodore Dowling stated that defence and security are central to New Zealand’s engagement with India, noting that India’s strategic outlook has evolved significantly over the past decade. He highlighted the increasing role of the Indian Navy in regional and global operations, including joint exercises and deployments involving partners such as Australia and New Zealand.

He further explained that his three-year posting would help ensure the bilateral defence relationship remains strategic and sustained, rather than event-driven. Dowling also emphasised strong operational similarities between the two defence forces, including shared platforms such as P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, C-130J Hercules transport aircraft and comparable training systems, adding that India views New Zealand as a trusted and neutral partner.