May 23, 2025 06:23 pm (IST)
Follow us:
facebook-white sharing button
twitter-white sharing button
instagram-white sharing button
youtube-white sharing button
Trump administration bans Harvard University from enrolling international students | ED accuses Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi of cheating, money laundering in National Herald case | 'Russia, Ukraine will immediately start negotiations for ceasefire': Donald Trump after call with Putin | 'Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places': Joe Biden on cancer diagnosis | Rahul Gandhi targets Jaishankar over Op. Sindoor again, BJP says LoP speaking Pak language | Supreme Court orders SIT probe into Madhya Pradesh minister's remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi | Bengaluru: Woman killed after wall collapses on her after heavy rainfall | Pak forces targeted Golden Temple after India conducted Operation Sindoor: Army | YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for 'espionage', travelled to Pakistan ahead of Pahalgam attack | Centre picks Shashi Tharoor to head all-party delegation for 'exposing' Pak-backed terrorism globally
Christopher Luxon
Christopher Luxon visits Indian Navy's indigenously built destroyer INS Surat in Mumbai. Photo Courtesy: PIB

New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon visits Indian Navy's indigenously built destroyer INS Surat

| @indiablooms | Mar 21, 2025, at 06:14 pm

New Zealand Christopher Luxon, along with RAdm Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy (CN-RNZN), visited the latest indigenously built destroyer of the Indian Navy, INS Surat, at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, on Thursday.

The Prime Minister was cordially welcomed aboard by VAdm Sanjay J Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Western Naval Command.

The dignitaries were given an in-depth briefing on the warship's intricate design, cutting-edge technologies, and formidable capabilities, offering a glimpse into its critical role in bolstering national maritime security.

 INS Surat, commissioned on 15 Jan 25, is the latest indigenous guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy.

Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai and designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, the ship is a shining example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and boasts of an indigenous content of over 75%, read a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.

The Prime Minister's visit coincides with the Royal New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Te Kaha's visit to Mumbai from 20 to 24 Mar 25. In addition, Cmde Rodger Ward, Commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, is also visiting HQWNC. These visits mark a significant step towards furthering the relationship between the RNZN and the Indian Navy (IN).

As a part of the ship visit, the CN-RNZN called on VAdm Sanjay J Singh, FOC-in-C, WNC, and discussed strategic naval engagements, which was followed by a briefing on the command's role. He thereafter visited the Heritage Hall at ND, Mumbai and held discussions with the Admiral Superintendent of Dockyard regarding technical support for HMNZS Te Kaha's upcoming visit in April 2025.

The Admiral also laid a wreath at the Gaurav Stambh at ND Mumbai and paid homage to personnel who made supreme sacrifices in the service of the nation.

As part of the Ship’s visit, several activities aimed at enhancing cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties have been planned, including Cross-Deck visits, sports fixtures, and social events. On departure, the ship is scheduled to undertake a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Indian Navy, enhancing operational coordination and showcasing a shared commitment to maritime collaboration.

Support Our Journalism

We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism

IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.

Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Close menu