New Delhi: India and the Philippines are set to conduct their first-ever bilateral naval exercise—a major step in deepening maritime and defence cooperation amid growing regional tensions in the South China Sea. According to sources, the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) will take place on August 3-4, just ahead of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India from August 4 to 8.
The exercise is scheduled to be held in strategic waters off the West Philippine coast, facing the contentious South China Sea, close to the Scarborough Shoal—a resource-rich area claimed by both the Philippines and China. Although the 2016 UNCLOS arbitration ruling invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, China continues to assert control, leading to ongoing confrontations with the Philippines.
Ahead of the MCA, four Indian Navy ships, including the newly commissioned survey vessel INS Sandhayak, will make a goodwill visit to the Philippines from July 30. This marks the largest Indian naval presence in the Philippines to date. Previous deployments included ships such as INS Delhi, INS Kiltan, and INS Shakti.
Historically, naval engagements between India and the Philippines have been limited to passing exercises (PASSEX). However, signalling a shift in defence posture, Indian Ambassador Harsh Kumar Jain recently told the Philippine News Agency that the countries are now exploring joint exercises in maritime security and disaster response.
The growing defence partnership follows the Philippines’ acquisition of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. Talks are also underway for the potential purchase of Akash short-range surface-to-air missile systems, with an estimated value exceeding $200 million. Additionally, discussions around Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Maritime Reconnaissance helicopters for the Philippine Coast Guard have been ongoing since 2021.
President Marcos Jr.’s upcoming visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation including at least 10 cabinet ministers, is expected to result in the elevation of India-Philippines ties to a strategic partnership. Scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 5, President Marcos will later travel to Bengaluru on August 7-8 for business engagements.
The deepening India-Philippines defence relationship aligns with both nations’ concerns over China’s increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. The Philippines continues to face aggressive manoeuvres by Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, while India remains cautious in its dealings with Beijing following the 2020 Galwan clashes.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently visited Beijing and met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, reiterating that peace and stability along the border is essential for progress in bilateral ties. “Jaishankar highlighted the positive impact of peace and tranquillity on the smooth development of bilateral relations,” the Indian government stated.
The upcoming naval exercise and President Marcos Jr.’s visit mark a significant step in India’s growing role in Indo-Pacific security affairs. As regional dynamics shift, the India-Philippines partnership is poised to become a critical element in countering aggressive postures and ensuring maritime stability in the region.
