India-Philippines Naval Exercise: INS Delhi, Shakti, Kiltan End Port Call After 1st Joint Drill in SCS

In a move that is being seen as causing irk to China, India and the Philippines have conducted joint naval exercises for the first time in the disputed South China Sea. Notably, India-Philippines naval exercises took place as President Ferdinand Marcos departed for a 5-day trip to India.

Before leaving Manila, Marcos stated he would look to deepen maritime ties and seek cooperation on sectors including defence, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

Part of India and the Philippines’ first-ever joined naval drill were Indian Naval Ships INS Delhi (Guided Missile Destroyer), INS Shakti (Fleet Tanker), and INS Kiltan (Anti Submarine Warfare corvette) of the Eastern Fleet, which have ended their port call at Manila. They were under the Command of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF).

India-Philippines Naval Exercise: Why is it a big thing?

Firstly, because this joint naval drill was help for the first time between India and the Philippines and second, as these exercises took place in the South China Sea. The Philippines has conducted “maritime cooperative activities” with foreign navies since late 2023 as part of its push to counter China’s expansive claims in the waterway.

Indian naval ships – Delhi, Shakti and Kiltan engaged in bilateral maritime exercise with the Philippine Navy ships on August 3 – 4.

The idea for the two-day joint passage, which was inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, came about when Manila military chief Romeo Brawner met his counterpart in India in March. “We did not experience any untoward incidents, but there are still those shadowing us – as we had already expected,” he told reporters.

What was China’s stand on India-Philippines Naval exercises?

China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea, issued a statement saying that territorial and maritime disputes should be resolved by the countries directly involved and no third party should intervene. The regions claimed by Beijing overlap with maritime zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Interactions to activities, what transpired during India-Philippines Naval exercises?

FOCEF called on senior leaders of the Philippines, including R Adm Joe Anthony C Orbe, Commander Philippine Fleet, Lt Gen Jimmy D Larida Vice Chief of Staff Armed Forces of Philippines, Ignacio B. Madriaga Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning and Vice Admiral Edger Ybanez Deputy Commandant of Operation Philippines Coast Guard.

“These high-level interactions underscored the growing strategic convergence between the two maritime nations and reflected a shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The engagements reaffirmed the commitment of both the sides to upholding a rules-based international order,” Indian Navy said.

To foster and enhance warmth and mutual goodwill between India–Philippines ties, a deck reception was also hosted onboard INS Shakti. There were cross deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and Operational planning. A bilateral maritime exercise was conducted at sea.

The port call to the Philippines marked a significant milestone in strengthening India–Philippines maritime partnership. Meanwhile, Indian Navy and Philippines Navy also engaged in the bilateral exercise from July 30 to 4 Aug 25. During the sea phase of the exercise (Aug 3 – 4), anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine drills were conducted.