Indian Navy Ships Arrive in Manila for Exercise

The Indian Navy’s ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan recently arrived in Manila, Philippines, as part of a strategic operational deployment in the South China Sea aimed at strengthening maritime ties and showcasing India’s strategic interests in the region. The visit involves various activities including professional exchanges, sports competitions, deck visits, cultural events, and a crucial Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Philippine Navy to enhance naval cooperation. This deployment is set against a backdrop of ongoing territorial disputes between China and the Philippines, particularly over the Scarborough Shoal within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Historical ties between India and the Philippines since 1949, marked by regular naval engagements, further underpin this cooperative effort. The Eastern Fleet, instrumental in this visit, highlights India’s blue-water capabilities and regional maritime presence, participating in international missions and maintaining advanced naval assets.