PH, India hold first joint naval patrol in WPS

In a move dubbed “maritime cooperative activity,” the Philippine and Indian navies staged their first joint patrol in the disputed West Philippine Sea’s exclusive economic zone.

Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, Indian ambassador to the Philippines, announced the joint drills at a reception aboard the INS Shakti (A57) on July 31.

The two-day sail and naval exercises started on August 3, ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official visit to New Delhi, India, for maritime ties and cooperation talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“This historic visit of the Indian naval ships and the upcoming maiden maritime cooperation activity collectively set a positive tone for the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India next week, underscoring the deepening partnership and expanding cooperation between our two nations,” Jain said.

Three Indian naval vessels, guided missile destroyer INS Delhi (D61), fleet tanker INS Shakti (A57), and anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kiltan (P30), arrived in Manila on July 30 for a port visit.

Meanwhile, surveillance ship INS Sandhayak (Yard 3025) docked at the international port of Manila on August 1.

The Philippines sent two frigates, BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Jose Rizal.

“The visit of the Indian naval ships to the Philippines is a powerful testament to the enduring friendship and growing maritime cooperation between the two countries,” Jain said.

“It also symbolizes our shared commitment to the freedom of navigation and a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region,” he added.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. described the “coordinated patrol” as a clear demonstration of the Philippines’ mutual resolve to safeguard freedom of navigation and uphold the law of the sea.

“As we stand watch over a region vital to global trade and security, we do not do so in isolation, but in partnership with nations who share our values,” Brawner said in a statement.

In a Facebook post on August 4, Marcos affirmed the defense ties between the two countries, noting that his visit to India marked the 75th anniversary of PH-India diplomatic relations.

“There’s great potential for cooperation in defense, trade, health, connectivity, and food security, and I look forward to a productive visit that delivers real progress for our people and the wider Indo-Pacific region,” Marcos said.

In 2023, India urged China to respect the 2016 ruling of an international arbitral tribunal, which voided China’s sweeping claims under international law.