The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and New Zealand, concluded in New Delhi on September 8, 2025, highlighted a significant, albeit quietly evolving, facet of the Indo-Pacific security architecture. While publicly framed as a routine review of bilateral relations, the intensifying frequency and depth of these discussions, coupled with recent diplomatic engagements, signal a deliberate strategy by both nations to bolster their respective positions within a region increasingly defined by geopolitical competition and shifting alliances. The underlying drivers are complex, involving shared strategic anxieties regarding China’s growing influence, and a mutual recognition of the value of a stable, reliable partner in a region characterized by volatility.
The immediate context for the FOC is a sustained period of heightened strategic activity. Over the past six months, India has been actively consolidating its partnerships within the Quad security framework, engaged in expanded naval exercises with Australia and the United States, and participating in military cooperation initiatives with France. Simultaneously, New Zealand, traditionally a neutral actor, has been subtly adjusting its foreign policy posture, aligning more closely with the Indo-Pacific’s security dynamics. The establishment of a reciprocal defense agreement with Australia in 2024 represents a foundational shift, setting the stage for deeper integration into the Indo-Pacific security network. “New Zealand’s decision to formalize its defense relationship with Australia is a pivotal moment,” noted Dr. Amelia Harding, a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute’s Indo-Pacific program. “It’s not about directly confronting China, but it’s about establishing a credible deterrent and safeguarding New Zealand’s security interests within a potentially destabilizing regional environment.”
The discussions during the FOC covered a broad range of areas, including defence and security cooperation – specifically, exploring avenues for information sharing and joint exercises – trade and investment, and climate change. A key area of focus was the potential for New Zealand to contribute to India’s maritime security efforts in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). While New Zealand lacks the naval capabilities to operate independently in the IOR, its technological expertise in areas such as maritime surveillance and intelligence analysis offers significant value. Data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) indicates a marked increase in New Zealand’s maritime surveillance technology exports to India over the last three years.
Furthermore, the FOC served as a platform to address regional security concerns, particularly regarding China’s assertive behavior in the South China Sea and its increasing naval presence in the IOR. Both nations share a strategic interest in upholding the rules-based international order and preventing unilateral actions that could disrupt regional stability. “New Zealand recognizes the fundamental importance of upholding freedom of navigation and maritime security in the IOR,” stated Mr. Grahame Morton, Deputy Secretary – Americas and Asia Group, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, during a press briefing following the consultations. “We are committed to working with our partners to ensure a peaceful and prosperous region.”
The relationship’s evolution isn’t without challenges. New Zealand’s historical commitment to neutrality has often been viewed with cautious skepticism by India, a nation increasingly reliant on strong, dependable alliances. The need for New Zealand to demonstrate a sustained, strategic commitment is paramount. The ongoing geopolitical tension between the United States and China also introduces an element of complexity. New Zealand’s careful navigation of this dynamic, balancing its strategic alignment with India while maintaining a nuanced approach to its relationship with Washington, will be crucial.
Looking ahead, the next six months will likely see continued intensification of engagement. The next round of FOC, scheduled to take place in Wellington, will be a key indicator of the relationship’s trajectory. Longer-term, over the next five to ten years, the potential for New Zealand to become a more integrated partner within the Indo-Pacific security framework is considerable. This could involve increased participation in joint military exercises, expanded technology cooperation, and potentially, a more formalized security dialogue. “The Indo-Pacific landscape is undergoing a profound transformation,” remarked Dr. Harding. “New Zealand’s willingness to embrace this new reality, coupled with India’s strategic vision, could create a powerful, albeit unconventional, security alliance.” The degree to which New Zealand’s strategic alignment proves robust will ultimately determine its impact on the regional balance of power and the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific. The relationship offers a compelling illustration of how smaller nations can leverage geopolitical shifts to enhance their influence within a globalized, and increasingly contested, world.