Indian Navy and Philippine Navy officers and sailors at Manila port. (Photo: Indian Navy)
Visakhapatnam: Indian Navy warships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan have arrived in Manila, Philippines, as part of the operational deployment of the Navy’s Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea. The visit aims to strengthen the friendship and maritime cooperation between India and the Philippines.
The ships were warmly welcomed by the Philippines Navy, emphasizing the longstanding ties between the two nations. During their stay, personnel from both navies will engage in a wide range of professional interactions, including subject matter expert exchange (SMEE), sports fixtures, cross-deck visits, cultural exchanges, and collaborative community outreach programs. Additionally, the ships will participate in a maritime partnership exercise (MPX) with the Philippine Navy.
This visit comes amid tensions between China and the Philippines over the Scarborough Shoal, a traditional fishing ground located approximately 220 kilometres off the coast of the Philippines within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
India and the Philippines have maintained cordial relations since formally establishing diplomatic ties in November 1949. Regular visits by Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard ships to the Philippines, along with specialized training courses and delegations, further enhance cooperation between the two countries.
As tensions persist in the South China Sea, collaborative efforts like this visit play a crucial role in maintaining peace and promoting maritime safety in the Indo-Pacific region.
