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4 Indian Navy ships to make port call in Manila this July - envoy

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
July 11, 2025, 3:28 pm

MANILA -- Four Indian Navy ships are scheduled to make a goodwill visit to the Philippines this month as New Delhi seeks to bolster its defense and maritime cooperation with Manila, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain announced on Friday.

Speaking at the Stratbase ADRI forum in Makati City, Jain said the Indian Navy would engage with Filipino counterparts in "bilateral cooperation activities" and reinforce its bonds with the Philippine Navy.

The visit reflects the two nations' shared commitment to maritime cooperation, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based order at sea, he said.

"India and the Philippines have a congruence of interest on various defense-related issues and maritime security," he said.

"Both our countries are strong proponents of adherence to rules-based order, and have a shared interest in a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region."

Stronger defense ties

At the same forum, Jain said New Delhi is ready to further strengthen its defense relations with Manila, and support the country in modernizing its armed forces and building a credible defense posture.

India and the Philippines, he said, are also finalizing the terms of reference for service-to-service talks across the Navy, Air Force, and Army.

"Given the high importance of the maritime sector for both our countries, we can expand our cooperation to include joint exercises in the maritime security and disaster response," he added.

The envoy said New Delhi has a vast pool of expertise to offer Manila, touting the size of the Indian Armed Forces and its advanced military training institutions.

Beyond the recently acquired BrahMos missile systems, he said, India is also eager to offer other advanced defense platforms to the country.

"India is ready to provide other advanced defense platforms to the Philippines to bridge its capability gaps in all three domains of air, sea, and land, including critical areas of air defense, reconnaissance and surveillance, and domain awareness," he said.

"We are, as well, ready to support the Philippines in its efforts to build a self-reliant defense posture through joint production, research and development, and developing facilities." (PNA)