India and Philippines Hold First Joint Naval Sail in South China Sea Amid Rising Regional Tensions

In a landmark move reflecting deepening defence ties and shared concerns over maritime security, India and Philippines conducted their first-ever joint naval sail in the South China Sea on August 3–4, 2025. The sail took place within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), known locally as the West Philippine Sea, an area that has increasingly become a focal point for regional and global power competition, particularly involving China’s aggressive maritime claims.

This development comes at a time when both New Delhi and Manila are seeking stronger partnerships in the Indo-Pacific to promote freedom of navigation and adherence to international law. The timing also coincided with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s state visit to India, aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across defence, trade, agriculture, and technology.

Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe, Commander Philippine Fleet and Ambassador of India to the Philippines, Harsh Kumar Jain, pose for a picture following indian naval ships' arrival, in Manila on Saturday.(ANI) | Hindustan Times

Strengthening Maritime Interoperability

The Indian Navy dispatched a formidable fleet for the exercise, including guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi, fleet tanker INS Shakti, and anti-submarine corvette INS Kiltan. These vessels were on extended deployment as part of India’s broader maritime engagement in the Western Pacific. On the Philippine side, the BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Jose Rizal frigates participated in the coordinated naval operations.

The two navies engaged in a series of tactical drills involving maritime communication protocols, formation sailing, and replenishment procedures. The primary goal was to enhance mutual understanding, improve interoperability, and demonstrate a united front in upholding a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. According to military sources, Chinese ships were observed shadowing the joint Indian-Philippine fleet, although no direct confrontation occurred.

Regional Implications and Chinese Reaction

The joint sail has raised eyebrows in Beijing. Chinese authorities criticized the manoeuvre, accusing both nations of “stirring tensions” in a region where it maintains extensive—and internationally disputed—territorial claims. China’s Southern Theater Command confirmed it was conducting its own routine patrols in nearby waters and warned against foreign interference in what it considers bilateral disputes.

This response is consistent with China’s broader diplomatic and military strategy in the South China Sea, where it has constructed artificial islands and increased naval deployments in an attempt to assert control over the region. However, the Philippines has pushed back against this narrative by expanding defence partnerships with several nations, including the United States, Japan, Australia, and now India.

A Broader Indo-Pacific Strategy

India’s involvement in the South China Sea aligns with its “Act East” policy and its strategic vision known as SAGAR—Security and Growth for All in the Region. By participating in joint naval operations and port calls, India aims to project itself as a responsible stakeholder in Indo-Pacific stability. For the Philippines, these joint operations represent a critical counterweight to China’s grey-zone tactics and a reinforcement of its sovereign rights under international law, particularly the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim.

This joint sail is not the first engagement between the two countries' navies. In late 2023, India’s INS Kadmatt conducted a maritime partnership exercise with BRP Ramon Alcaraz in the West Philippine Sea. These exercises are part of a growing trend of coordinated maritime security efforts, as Manila continues to invite friendly nations to conduct patrols in contested waters.

Future Outlook and Conclusion

The success of the first India-Philippines joint naval sail marks the beginning of what could become a more institutionalized maritime partnership. Both countries have expressed interest in conducting more complex naval exercises, expanding beyond bilateral drills into regional frameworks that include other Indo-Pacific democracies. As security threats in the South China Sea evolve, such cooperation offers a powerful symbol of unity and commitment to peace, legality, and open seas.

The joint sail is not merely a demonstration of naval capability—it is a message. It signals that nations beyond the immediate South China Sea littoral states are now invested in the region’s peace and stability. As India and the Philippines build on this foundation, their partnership could serve as a key pillar in shaping a balanced and cooperative Indo-Pacific future.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, AP News, The Print)