Indian warships have begun joint patrols with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea for the first time, a development timed with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India. The patrols began on Sunday, featuring three Indian naval ships.
This cooperation comes amid intensified regional disputes and signals Manila’s efforts to enhance military alliances, especially following confrontations with Chinese forces. Despite an international tribunal ruling against its claims, China continues to assert control over nearly the entire South China Sea.
INS Delhi, one of India’s top destroyers, had docked in Manila just days before the patrols commenced. In India, Marcos is expected to sign agreements in various sectors, but strategic observers are watching closely for new defense initiatives.
Marcos emphasized the mutual respect for maritime law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Notably, India has already supplied BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, reinforcing a budding defense relationship within the broader Indo-Pacific framework.
