Indian Navy Chief gets traditional Maori welcome in New Zealand

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan was accorded a traditional Maori Powhiri welcome on Monday at Te Taua Moana Marae, the spiritual and cultural home of Royal New Zealand Navy personnel, at the HMNZS Philomel naval base in Auckland.

The warm welcome reflected mutual respect, friendship and the strong maritime ties between India and New Zealand.

In a post on X, the Indian Navy



wrote, “Tradition spoke before words did. Adm Krishna Swaminathan, CNS, was accorded a traditional Maori Powhiri at Te Taua Moana Marae, at HMNZS Philomel, Devonport Naval Base, Auckland – a powerful expression of manaakitanga, respect and welcome, deeply woven into the identity of the NZ Navy. 

A uniquely New Zealand beginning to a visit anchored in enduring bonds, mutual respect and shared maritime traditions.”