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3w ago

India and Philippines Launch First South China Sea Naval Exercises as Strategic Partners

Direct flights from October will link capitals under an upgraded strategic partnership focused on maritime security.

Philippine guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar, Indian guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi, and Indian anti-submarine corvette INS Kiltan navigate side by side during an exercise.
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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.