New envoy keen to boost bilateral ties

More than three years ago (On July 3, 2006), he and his wife greeted about 200 invited guests aboard INZ Tabar (a third frigate of the Indian Navy’s Talwar Class) at the Davenport Naval base in North Shore City as the then Vice-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.

But none present on the occasion had the slightest inkling that Sureesh Mehta, upon his retirement as the Admiral and Chief of Indian Navy (and Chairman, Chiefs of the Staff Committee) in August 2009, would return to New Zealand as the High Commissioner of India.

It may be a long route from defence to diplomacy for some, but for the man who enjoys meeting people and promoting the image of his country, the current assignment would be a smooth and eventful sail.

“I love to interact with the Indian community and businesses and understand their needs and aspirations to build upon existing and emerging potential for improved bilateral relations,” he told Indian Newslink during an interview at his Wellington office last month.

He said there were several positive signs of enhanced relations between the two countries and that he was keen to identify areas of mutual interest and benefit for early engagement.

“While we look forward to the start of negotiations that would lead to a meaningful and effective Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand, I would like to have a closer human interface to foster better understanding,” he said.

An impressive record

As a forthcoming and engaging personality, Mr Mehta brings with him a wealth of experience that include 42 years of distinguished service and as the first person born after India attained independence to be the Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, he is a source of endearment and pride to many.

An alumnus of the Indian National Defence Academy, Mr Mehta was commissioned in the Indian Navy in 1967 and for more than four decades thereafter, he held various positions before being appointed to the coveted post as the Chief of the Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy is  the fourth largest in the world, with almost 60,000 personnel, 170 ships (including an aircraft carrier, submarines, destroyers, frigates, corvettes and amphibious warships to name a few), thousands of marine commandos, soldiers and other personnel.

The Indian Government honoured him with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (1995) and Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2005) in appreciation of his services to the country.

More than a year ago, Mr Mehta spelt out his vision for the Indian Navy.

“The perspective plan for the next 15 to 20 years would provide sustained business incentive to invest in naval systems, ships and aircraft for the Indian industry on their own and with overseas collaboration. The Indian Navy would participate in any government initiative to promote the indigenous defence and ship-building industry,” he said.

Mr Mehta is accompanied by his wife Maria Teresa and their daughter Sangeeta (a Chartered Accountant by qualification and profession; their son Sameer is employed at a commercial bank in Singapore) during his tour of duty in New Zealand for the next three plus years.

GOPIO Dinner

The Global Organisation for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) will host the first dinner reception in his honour in Auckland on January 23. Details of the contributory dinner, which may be restricted to members, can be obtained from Regional Vice-President (Oceania) Harish Bajaj on 021-790169.