Why in news?
In early August 2025, India and the Philippines conducted their first bilateral naval drill in the South China Sea, signalling closer maritime cooperation and a commitment to freedom of navigation.
Purpose of the exercise
The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability between the two navies and assert freedom of navigation in contested waters. It took place within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) over two days.
Assets involved
- Indian Navy: INS Delhi (guided‑missile destroyer), INS Shakti (fleet tanker) and INS Kiltan (anti‑submarine corvette).
- Philippines Navy: BRP Ramon Alcaraz (former US Coast Guard cutter) and BRP Gregorio del Pilar.
Significance
- Serves as a symbolic counter to China’s expansive “nine‑dash line” claim over the South China Sea.
- Reinforces India’s Act East policy and the Philippines’ interest in partnerships beyond its traditional allies.
- Boosts defence diplomacy and contributes to freedom of navigation operations by like‑minded nations.
About the South China Sea
- A marginal sea of the western Pacific covering around 3.68 million km². Its deepest point is about 5,016 m in the China Sea Basin.
- Bordered by China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.
- Contains island groups and reefs such as the Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, Macclesfield Bank and Scarborough Shoal. Rivers like the Pearl (China), Red (Vietnam) and Mekong (Vietnam) drain into it.
- Noted for overlapping EEZ claims due to China’s controversial nine‑dash line, making it one of the world’s most contested maritime regions.
The India–Philippines naval exercise highlights growing security cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific and signals support for international law and open seas.