Philippines and India Hold First Joint Naval Exercise in South China Sea

 

For the first time, the Philippine and Indian navies held a joint sail in the South China Sea, signaling deepening maritime cooperation between the two countries. The two-day activity began on Sunday and took place within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner, the idea emerged during his meeting with India’s naval leadership in March.

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The Philippines deployed two frigates BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Jose Rizal while India sent guided missile destroyer INS Delhi, tanker INS Shakti, and corvette INS Kiltan. Although no hostile incidents were reported, Brawner noted that their ships were “shadowed,” a likely reference to Chinese naval presence. The joint sail is part of the Philippines' broader strategy to counter China’s aggressive maritime claims by strengthening defense partnerships. Since late 2023, Manila has conducted similar maritime activities with the U.S., Japan, France, Canada, and Australia to assert its rights in the contested waters.

The joint sail occurred as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. departed for a state visit to India, where maritime security and defense collaboration are expected to be key discussion points. Marcos also aims to boost cooperation in sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and trade.

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China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, responded cautiously. Its foreign ministry reiterated that territorial disputes should be resolved solely between the countries directly involved and warned against third-party intervention. The waterway remains one of the most strategically important in the world, with over $3 trillion in annual trade passing through it.

China's sweeping maritime claims were invalidated by a 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruling, which affirmed the Philippines’ rights under international law though Beijing has refused to recognize the verdict. With growing regional cooperation like this new India-Philippines exercise, countries are increasingly challenging China's narrative through lawful maritime presence and mutual defense partnerships.