India And Philippines Conduct Joint Sail, Naval Drill In Disputed South China Sea

14 hours ago

Last Updated:August 04, 2025, 12:29 IST

India and the Philippines held their first joint naval exercises in the South China Sea to enhance preparedness and operational synergy.

INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS VISIT MANILA, PHILIPPINES (File/PIB)

INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS VISIT MANILA, PHILIPPINES (File/PIB)

India and the Philippines conducted joint sail and naval exercises in the disputed South China Sea for the first time. It is noteworthy that China has separate territorial disputes with the two Asian democracies and a long-running regional rivalry with New Delhi.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner on Monday said that the two-day joint naval sail and exercises, which began on Sunday, have been successful so far and expressed hopes that Filipino forces could engage India’s military in more joint manoeuvres in the future.

Speaking to CNN News 18, Indian Navy Sources said, “As part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing operational deployment to Southeast Asia, warships are currently in the Philippines and are engaged in bilateral engagement as per standard practice in the West Philippine Sea."

When asked if any action was carried out by Chinese forces in response to the exercise, Brawner said, “We did not experience any untoward incident, but we were still shadowed. We expected that already", AP reported.

As part of the Indian Navy’s operational deployment to South East Asia, Indian Naval Ships INS Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan, of the Eastern Fleet, commanded by RAdm Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), reached Manila, Philippines, on August 1.

The bilateral maritime exercise focused on joint manoeuvres and communication protocols to improve preparedness, build mutual trust and strengthen operational synergy in the maritime domain.

The Philippines has staged naval patrols in the disputed waters with its treaty ally, the United States, and other strategic partners, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand and France, to promote freedom of navigation and overflight and strengthen deterrence against China.

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Manila, Philippines

First Published:

August 04, 2025, 12:29 IST

News world India And Philippines Conduct Joint Sail, Naval Drill In Disputed South China Sea

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