Three Indian Navy ships are in the Philippines with an aim to further strengthen maritime cooperation with that country, an official said on Monday.
Indian Navy Ships In Philippines To Boost Maritime Cooperation
Their visit is part of an “operational deployment” of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea. Indian Navy ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti and INS Kiltan arrived in Manila, Philippines, to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and maritime cooperation between the two countries.
During the visit, the ships will also participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Philippine Navy. Tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated over the Scarborough Shoal as Manila has taken a more assertive approach in disputed areas.
India- Philippines Relations
India and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations on 26 November 1949, shortly after both countries gained independence. (Philippines in 1946 and India in 1947). India and the Philippines are exploring various avenues to enhance their defence cooperation, with a particular emphasis on maritime security.
India and the Philippines are two democratic countries in the Indo-Pacific region that share common approach towards the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of a free, open, and stable region.
When India launched Look East Policy and intensified partnership with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1992, it also resulted in intensified relations with the Philippines both bilaterally and in the regional context.
With the Act East Policy (2014), the relationship with the Philippines has diversified further into political-security; trade and industry, etc.
India is currently the Philippines’ fifteenth largest trading partner, with trade worth approximately USD 3 billion in the 2022.
Also, Philippines has been a net importer in goods trade with India. One of the most significant developments in defence cooperation between India and the Philippines is the BrahMos missile deal.
