The Philippine and Indian navies have commenced their first joint patrols in the South China Sea, marking a significant step in defense cooperation between the two nations. This move comes amidst increasing tensions in the region, where China asserts claims over nearly the entire waterway, a claim invalidated by an international ruling.
The joint patrols began on Sunday, August 3, 2025, and involve warships from both countries. The Indian Navy's deployment includes the guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi (D-61), the anti-submarine corvette INS Kiltan (D 30), and the replenishment vessel INS Shakti (A 57). These vessels arrived in Manila for a port visit prior to the commencement of the maritime cooperative activity. According to Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado, the patrol is currently ongoing, with activities including replenishment at sea.
This first joint patrol coincides with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' state visit to New Delhi. During his visit, Marcos is expected to discuss potential defense agreements with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside other areas of cooperation such as law, culture, and technology. Prior to his departure, Marcos emphasized the two countries' commitment to upholding international maritime law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS grants countries an exclusive economic zone extending 370 km from their shores.
The Philippines has been strengthening its defense cooperation with various allies in response to a series of clashes in the South China Sea. India's participation in joint patrols demonstrates its support for the Philippines amidst these challenges. India has also shown a stronger stance on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration, moving from acknowledging the outcome to calling for adherence to the award.
This joint activity is not the first defense collaboration between India and the Philippines. In 2022, the Philippines purchased BrahMos supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles from India. New Delhi has also offered Manila defense loans and domestically produced military equipment to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program. The Philippine BrahMos missile base has the capability to strike maritime targets in the South China Sea off Western Luzon, including those around the contested Scarborough Shoal.
India's involvement in the South China Sea also reflects its broader strategic interests and concerns about regional security. India has engaged in border clashes with China in the Himalayas and is a member of the Quad, which includes the United States, Japan, and Australia. Beijing views the Quad as a means of containing China.
The joint patrols between the Philippines and India are a significant development in the South China Sea. They highlight the growing defense cooperation between the two countries and their shared commitment to upholding international law in the face of China's expansive claims in the region. These patrols are likely to continue and expand in the future, further strengthening the partnership between the Philippines and India.
