New Zealand Appoints First Defence Adviser to India

New Zealand has taken a significant step to enhance its defence collaboration with India by appointing Commodore Andy Dowling as the country’s first resident Defence Adviser in New Delhi. Dowling, who currently serves as New Zealand’s Defence Adviser to Australia, is set to relocate to India later this month alongside his wife, Claire. This three-year assignment marks a historic first, as the role will be based full-time in India, rather than being managed from another country.

In his new position, Commodore Dowling aims to foster a deeper understanding of India’s defence systems, which he believes will help identify and explore opportunities for collaboration between the two nations. “By having a Defence Adviser in India, it will allow us to understand their system better to identify and explore opportunities for our two nations to work together,” he stated. He noted that while the New Zealand Defence Force had an active year with India, including the visit of the frigate HMNZS Te Kaha and participation in Command Task Force 150 (CTF 150), the goal is to establish sustainable interactions rather than sporadic visits.

Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties

Commodore Dowling emphasized that maintaining a robust relationship with India necessitates a focus on defence and security, which he considers vital given the challenging regional landscape. “These are their most important considerations. The neighbourhood they live in is quite a tough one,” he remarked. His appointment follows a period of heightened engagement between New Zealand and India, notably during Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to India in March 2024. This visit culminated in the signing of the India-New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding for Defence Cooperation, aimed at reinforcing bilateral defence ties and establishing consistent defence engagement between the two countries.

Last year, New Zealand’s HMNZS Te Kaha played a crucial role in operations against drug trafficking while deployed to CTF 150 in the Western Indian Ocean. During this mission, New Zealand led the task force, with India serving as second-in-command, resulting in the seizure of seven tonnes of narcotics between April and June 2025.

Familiar with India from his previous role in Australia, Commodore Dowling has visited the country four times over the past year. He highlighted India’s expanding role in international defence, noting the progression from the 1991 ‘Look East’ policy to the 2014 ‘Act East’ strategy. Additionally, he expressed admiration for New Zealand’s standing in international relations, referring to it as “the ‘honest broker’ in the world.”

Seizing Opportunities for Collaboration

Commodore Dowling pointed out the potential for collaboration between the two nations, particularly in naval operations, training, and equipment. He expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity presented by this role, stating, “I was asked midway through last year, is this something Claire and I would like to do? We saw it as a great opportunity and adventure. It’s not often you get to set up something from scratch. It’s a real privilege we’re eager to grasp with both hands.”

As Commodore Dowling prepares for his new assignment, the focus remains on building a sustainable partnership between New Zealand and India that enhances regional security and strengthens their defence capabilities. The establishment of a full-time Defence Adviser position in New Delhi is a significant step in achieving these goals, reflecting both nations’ commitment to deepening their strategic ties.