Indian, Philippine Navies to Hold First South China Sea Joint Patrol

 

India’s latest operational deployment to the South China Sea will feature its first joint patrol with the Philippines in the contested waters.

India’s’s Eastern Fleet flotilla, which includes guided-missile destroyer INS Mysore (D 60), anti-submarine corvette INS Kiltan (D 30) and replenishment vessel INS Shakti (A 57), docked at the Port of Manila today for goodwill activities ahead of the maritime cooperative activity. While Indian warships have previously visited the Philippines, their arrival comes amid New Delhi’s increased support for Manila’s military modernization efforts and the South China Sea. 

“After the port visit, a Maritime Cooperative Activity will be conducted to further strengthen the robust maritime relationship between the Philippine Navy and the Indian Navy,” Philippine Navy Capt. John Alcos told USNI News. 

Alcos deferred operational details of the South China Sea joint patrol to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

While both nations have conducted numerous drills in the South China Sea, this will be the first time India participates in a maritime cooperative activity with Philippine forces. Compared to previous navy-to-navy engagements, such as joint sails, passing exercises and maritime partnership exercises, the maritime cooperative activity tackles force interoperability and demonstrates support for the Philippines amid its struggle with China. The Armed Forces of the Philippines in a news release described the maritime cooperative activities as “vital engagements between nations aimed at maintaining peace and stability in international waters.” 

India follows the U.S., Australia, Japan, Canada and France in teaming up with Philippine forces in the South China Sea through a maritime cooperative activity. Indian outlets have reported that the joint patrol will coincide with Philippine President Bongbong Marcos’ visit to India next week. 

Indian-Philippine defense cooperation has ramped up in recent years, with Indian in 2022 selling BrahMos supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles to the Philippine Marine Corps. New Delhi also revised its stance on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration last year, moving from an acknowledgment of the outcome to calling for adherence to the award. 

The first Philippine BrahMos missile base has the potential to strike maritime targets in the South China Sea off Western Luzon, including those around the contested Scarborough Shoal. New Delhi previously offered Manila defense loans and its roster of domestically developed and produced military equipment in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program.