Philippines and India Make History with First Joint Naval Sail in South China Sea
🇵🇭🇮🇳 Philippines and India Hold First Joint Naval Sail in South China Sea
By Mohammed Usman A
Date: August 4, 2025
In a historic move, the Philippines and India held their first-ever joint naval sail in the South China Sea on August 3–4, 2025. The exercise took place within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), aiming to boost maritime cooperation and regional security.
India deployed three warships—INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan—while the Philippines contributed its BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Jose Rizal. The joint sail occurred peacefully, though Chinese vessels monitored the activity from a distance.
This event coincided with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s state visit to India, highlighting strengthening ties between the two nations. Officials from both sides expressed interest in expanding future defense cooperation.
This marks a strong message of unity and a shared commitment to freedom of navigation in the Indo-Paci
fic region.
Image source:Reuters