Philippine and Indian Navies Embark on Historic Joint Patrol in the South China Sea
The two nations' naval forces collaborate for the first time in disputed waters amid escalating tensions.
In a significant development, Indian Navy warships have commenced joint patrols with their Philippine counterparts in various areas of the contested South China Sea.
According to sources, this two-day operation includes three Indian vessels and began on Sunday, a day prior to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' scheduled visit to New Delhi for discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Philippines has intensified its defense collaborations with several allies over the past year following a series of conflicts in the disputed waterway.
Beijing asserts its claim over nearly the entire South China Sea, despite an international tribunal ruling that its assertion lacks legal basis.
The arrival of Indian naval vessels in Manila for a port visit late last week marked a precursor to this joint patrol.
As of the latest updates, the patrol 'started yesterday afternoon and is ongoing,' with one source noting that 'the activity at the moment is replenishment at sea.' During Marcos' upcoming trip to India, it is anticipated that agreements will be signed across various fields, including law, culture, and technology.
The focus, however, remains on potential defense pacts following previous arms transfers from India to the Philippines, such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, capable of reaching speeds up to 3,450 kilometers per hour.
India's engagement in border conflicts with China in the Himalayas and its membership in the Quad—an alliance comprising the United States, Japan, Australia, and itself—have contributed to heightened tensions with Beijing.
The latter has consistently accused the Quad of aiming to contain China, despite its own expansive claims and activities in the region.
According to sources, this two-day operation includes three Indian vessels and began on Sunday, a day prior to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' scheduled visit to New Delhi for discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Philippines has intensified its defense collaborations with several allies over the past year following a series of conflicts in the disputed waterway.
Beijing asserts its claim over nearly the entire South China Sea, despite an international tribunal ruling that its assertion lacks legal basis.
The arrival of Indian naval vessels in Manila for a port visit late last week marked a precursor to this joint patrol.
As of the latest updates, the patrol 'started yesterday afternoon and is ongoing,' with one source noting that 'the activity at the moment is replenishment at sea.' During Marcos' upcoming trip to India, it is anticipated that agreements will be signed across various fields, including law, culture, and technology.
The focus, however, remains on potential defense pacts following previous arms transfers from India to the Philippines, such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, capable of reaching speeds up to 3,450 kilometers per hour.
India's engagement in border conflicts with China in the Himalayas and its membership in the Quad—an alliance comprising the United States, Japan, Australia, and itself—have contributed to heightened tensions with Beijing.
The latter has consistently accused the Quad of aiming to contain China, despite its own expansive claims and activities in the region.
