Three Indian Navy ships, INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan, arrived in Manila on Sunday, May 19th, for a three-day visit. The stopover comes as part of a larger operational deployment by India’s Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea.
The Indian Navy spokesperson emphasized the visit’s goal of strengthening the longstanding friendship and maritime cooperation between India and the Philippines. The Philippine Navy extended a warm welcome to the Indian vessels upon their arrival.
While details haven’t been publicly shared, it’s expected that the Indian and Philippine navies will engage in joint maritime exercises during the ships’ stay. These exercises could involve drills to enhance interoperability on issues like search and rescue, navigation, and communication at sea.
The arrival of the Indian warships comes amid heightened regional tensions in the South China Sea. China has made expansive territorial claims in the resource-rich waters, disputed by several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines. India has consistently challenged China’s claims to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
This port visit and potential maritime exercises are seen as a signal of India’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, underlining its growing strategic partnership with the Philippines.