Philippines And India Conduct First Naval Exercise In South China Sea

Philippines, India Conduct First Naval Drills in South China Sea to Boost Maritime Ties

In a significant move to strengthen maritime cooperation, the Philippine and Indian navies conducted their first-ever joint naval exercise in the South China Sea, officials confirmed on Monday. The two-day passage took place within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), underscoring Manila’s increasing engagement with regional partners to counter China’s territorial claims.

The naval cooperation coincided with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India, where he aims to bolster ties in defence, maritime security, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

The drill featured Indian Navy vessels — guided missile destroyer INS Delhi, tanker INS Shakti, and corvette INS Kiltan — sailing alongside Philippine frigates BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Jose Rizal.

Philippine Armed Forces chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the idea was born during a meeting with his Indian counterpart in March. “We did not experience any untoward incidents, though as expected, some vessels shadowed us,” he noted, indirectly referring to China’s monitoring presence.

Since late 2023, Manila has engaged in “maritime cooperative activities” with the U.S., Japan, Australia, France, and Canada to uphold freedom of navigation in the South China Sea — a vital trade corridor through which over $3 trillion of global commerce passes annually.

China, which claims nearly the entire sea, reiterated its stance through a foreign ministry statement, urging disputes be settled without third-party involvement. However, a 2016 international tribunal ruling invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims — a decision China refuses to accept.

Highlights:

India and Philippines held their first joint naval drill in the South China Sea
Exercises took place inside the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
No incidents reported, though foreign vessels shadowed the drill
The drill coincided with President Marcos’ state visit to India to boost defence ties

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