Overview
- India and the Philippines held their first bilateral naval exercises from August 1 to 4 within the Philippine exclusive economic zone, deploying INS Delhi, INS Kiltan and INS Shakti alongside BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Miguel Malvar.
- On August 5, Narendra Modi and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic partnership in New Delhi and signed pacts covering defence collaboration, maritime security and civilian cooperation.
- Direct Air India flights between New Delhi and Manila will begin on October 1, complemented by a reciprocal visa-free entry policy for Indian and Filipino tourists.
- India reiterated its commitment to a rules-based maritime order under UNCLOS, advocating freedom of navigation and an inclusive South China Sea Code of Conduct.
- Beijing’s foreign ministry formally objected to “third-party” involvement and the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command stepped up patrols and readiness drills near Scarborough Shoal.