INS Delhi, Shakti, Kiltan Reach Manila to Deepen India-Philippines Naval Ties

In a significant step toward enhancing maritime cooperation and reaffirming India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region, three frontline warships of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet—INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan—arrived at Manila, Philippines, today. The deployment forms part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing operational outreach to Southeast Asia and showcases New Delhi’s growing defense and diplomatic engagements with its maritime neighbors.

The Indian warships were accorded a warm and ceremonious welcome by personnel of the Philippine Navy upon arrival, reflecting the robust and expanding maritime partnership between India and the Philippines. The visit, led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), is a vital component of India’s commitment to peace, stability, and collaboration in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific.

Strengthening Maritime Diplomacy

Rear Admiral Menon addressed local media upon arrival, emphasizing the significance of joint naval engagement in an evolving global security environment. He underlined the shared commitment of both India and the Philippines to upholding the principles of freedom of navigation, rule of law at sea, and peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.

“Such deployments not only enhance operational readiness but also nurture trust and interoperability among like-minded maritime nations,” RAdm Menon noted, stressing the importance of joint efforts in countering transnational threats such as piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, and trafficking.

A Multi-Layered Port Call

The port call in Manila is poised to be more than just a ceremonial visit. A packed itinerary of harbour interactions between the Indian Navy and the Philippine Navy is scheduled, including:

• Operational Planning Discussions to facilitate better mission coordination

• Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) in tactical procedures and maritime safety

• Cross-Deck Visits for enhanced professional interaction and crew engagement

• Social and Cultural Programs to promote mutual respect and people-to-people ties

These engagements aim to deepen mutual learning, foster interoperability, and build long-term strategic trust between the two maritime forces.

Bilateral Maritime Exercise: Enhancing Interoperability

A key highlight of the visit will be a bilateral maritime exercise in the waters off the Philippines. The exercise will focus on:

• Coordinated joint manoeuvres and naval formations

• Standardized communication protocols

• Tactical drills in maritime domain awareness

• Strengthening search-and-rescue coordination capabilities

The exercise represents a step forward in institutionalizing bilateral naval cooperation and complements the larger vision of maintaining a Free, Open, and Inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Strategic Significance in the Indo-Pacific

The Indian Navy’s deployment to Manila aligns with India’s “Act East Policy” and its vision for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). This initiative also sends a strong message of India’s support for regional allies in maintaining an open maritime commons amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and increasing security challenges in the South China Sea and beyond.

With its state-of-the-art destroyer INS Delhi, fleet tanker INS Shakti, and anti-submarine corvette INS Kiltan, the Indian Navy has brought to the Philippines a potent mix of combat capability and diplomatic intent.

Continued Naval Engagements in Southeast Asia

This visit to the Philippines follows a series of high-profile naval interactions by India with Southeast Asian nations including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. These engagements are designed to fortify shared maritime interests, expand defense cooperation, and counterbalance aggressive postures by external actors in contested waters.

The Indian Navy continues to act as an instrument of foreign policy and maritime diplomacy, offering humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, training, and security collaboration to friendly nations across the Indo-Pacific.

Looking Ahead

As the visit unfolds, both navies are expected to explore avenues for institutionalizing annual exercises, enhancing maritime domain awareness cooperation, and coordinating at multilateral forums like the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

This port call at Manila, therefore, stands as a powerful demonstration of how naval diplomacy is shaping a new era of India-Philippines relations—anchored in trust, cooperation, and a shared maritime destiny.