Philippine, Indian navies hold first joint maritime drills

The Philippine Navy and Indian Navy will conduct their first joint maritime cooperative activity in the West Philippine Sea.

This joint activity is a historic step in expanding regional defense cooperation between the two nations amid rising tensions with China.

Three Indian Navy warships docked in Manila on Wednesday, followed by a fourth vessel on Friday.

The Indian naval tanker INS Shakti recently made a port call in Manila, which AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. described as a powerful signal of solidarity and cooperation between the two democracies.

This marks the Indian Navy's first participation in a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with the Philippine Navy.

Indian Ambassador Harsh Kumar Jain stated that both nations share a common reason for a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

The naval cooperation coincides with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s upcoming state visit to India, where he is expected to hold strategic discussions on trade and defense.

India joins a growing list of countries, including the United States, Australia, Japan, France, Canada, and New Zealand, that have conducted joint maritime patrols with the Philippines.