India sends 3 warships to Philippines, first joint naval exercise in East Sea

India and the Philippines conducted their first joint naval exercises in the South China Sea, an area that has raised concerns over China's aggressive actions.

Indian warship INS Delhi and two other warships participate in a joint naval exercise with the Philippines in the South China Sea. (Source: X)

The exercise, called “maritime cooperation activities,” began on August 3 when Indian naval ships left Manila port, according to Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Harsh Kumar Jain.

He spoke at a reception aboard the logistics ship INS Shakti (A57) on July 31, attended by Philippine national security officials, ambassadors, defense attaches and many guests.

“The historic visit of the Indian naval ships and the exercise have set a positive precedent for the State visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India next week, reflecting the deepening partnership and expanding cooperation between the two countries,” Ambassador Jain stressed.

Indian naval ships including guided missile destroyer INS Delhi (D61), logistics ship INS Shakti and anti-submarine warfare frigate INS Kiltan (P30) docked at Manila port on July 30. Survey ship INS Sandhayak (Yard 3025) arrived on August 1.

Ambassador Jain affirmed that the visit of the Indian naval ships is a strong testament to the strong friendship and growing maritime cooperation between the two countries, and demonstrates the shared commitment to freedom of navigation and a free, open and rules-based Indo- Pacific region.

The Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr., said the “coordinated patrol” was “a clear demonstration of the two countries’ shared resolve to uphold freedom of navigation and the rule of law at sea.”

The Philippines has previously conducted similar patrols with the United States, Australia, Japan, France and Canada. “We do not guard an area vital to global trade and security alone, but rather work together with countries that share similar values,” he stressed.

Defence ties between the two countries have grown in recent years through capacity building, training and information sharing. The Philippines is also the first foreign buyer of India’s BrahMos missile system under a $374.9 million contract signed in January 2022.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/an-do-dua-3-tau-chien-den-philippines-lan-dau-dien-tap-hai-quan-chung-o-bien-dong-323265.html