As part of the ongoing Operational Deployment to Southeast Asia, Indian Naval Ships INS Delhi (Guided Missile Destroyer), INS Shakti (Fleet Tanker), and INS Kiltan (Anti-Submarine Warfare corvette) of the Eastern Fleet, under the Command of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), concluded their port call at Manila, Philippines.
The ships on departure engaged in a bilateral maritime exercise with the Philippine Navy ships on August 3-4.
Indian Navy and Philippines Navy also engaged in the bilateral exercise from 30 July to 4 August. The harbour phase of the exercise was conducted from 30 July to 2 August, wherein the procedures for the conduct of exercises at sea were discussed, and subject matter expert exchanges were conducted. During the sea phase of the exercise from 3-4 August, anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine drills were conducted.
A statement from the Naval spokesperson stated that the FOCEF called on senior leaders of the Philippines, including R Adm Joe Anthony C Orbe, Commander Philippine Fleet; Lt Gen Jimmy D Larida, Vice Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines; Ignacio B. Madriaga, Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning; and Vice Admiral Edger Ybanez, Deputy Commandant of Operation Philippines Coast Guard.
These high-level interactions underscored the growing strategic convergence between the two maritime nations and reflected a shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The engagements reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to upholding a rules-based international order and strengthening maritime collaboration, according to a statement on Tuesday.
A deck reception hosted onboard INS Shakti provided an opportunity for further interaction among dignitaries, including the Ambassador of India to the Philippines, Harsh Kumar Jain, and senior officials from the Philippine Navy and government. The event served to foster and enhance warmth and mutual goodwill between India–Philippines ties.
Professional exchanges, including cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, and Operational planning, were a key element of the visit that allowed the exchange of best practices, strengthened mutual understanding, and reinforced shared commitment to maritime cooperation for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. A bilateral maritime exercise conducted at sea demonstrated high levels of coordination through tactical maneuvers and communication drills, further enhancing operational synergy between the two navies.
The port call to the Philippines marked a significant milestone in strengthening India–Philippines maritime partnership. Through high-level diplomacy, operational engagement, cultural exchanges, and community outreach, the Indian Navy reaffirmed its role as a dependable and cooperative maritime partner, committed to promoting peace, stability, and shared progress in the Indo-Pacific.