India and the Philippines have commenced their first joint naval drills in the disputed South China Sea, a move that is likely to escalate tensions with China, who also has territorial disputes with both countries. The joint exercises, which began on August 3, 2025, involve naval ships from both nations and are considered a significant step in strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.
The Philippines' military chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner, stated that the two-day joint naval sail and exercises have been successful thus far and expressed optimism for future joint maneuvers with India's military. He also mentioned that while there were no untoward incidents, their forces were shadowed, which they had anticipated.
The joint drills, dubbed a "maritime cooperative activity," occurred as Indian naval ships departed Manila harbor. Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, the Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, highlighted the importance of the visit of the Indian naval ships and the maritime cooperation activity in setting a positive tone for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s state visit to India. He emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to freedom of navigation and a rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
China's expansive claims over the South China Sea have led to tense confrontations with other claimant states, including the Philippines and Vietnam. Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have claims to parts of the contested waters. The Philippines has been conducting naval patrols with allies like the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and France to uphold freedom of navigation and deter China.
These joint exercises are viewed by some analysts as largely symbolic, aimed at highlighting India's political presence and signaling a greater willingness to intervene in regional affairs. Chen Xiangmiao, a research fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times that the Philippines' attempt to draw India and other countries into joint exercises in the South China Sea reveals its intention to leverage the presence of extraterritorial powers to further stir up tensions in the region.
The location of the exercises is also noteworthy. They are being held in strategic waters off the Philippines' west coast, facing the South China Sea and close to Scarborough Shoal, a point of contention between the Philippines and China. Scarborough Shoal lies within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, but China asserts its claim over most of the South China Sea, leading to ongoing friction.
Defense ties between India and the Philippines have been strengthening in recent years through various exchanges and cooperation. A significant milestone was the Philippines' acquisition of the BrahMos missile system from India in 2022.
China's foreign ministry has stated that territorial and maritime disputes should be resolved directly between the countries involved, without intervention from third parties. Despite a 2016 ruling against China's claims under UNCLOS, Beijing continues to enforce its claims, leading to frequent encounters with Philippine forces.
The Indian naval ships involved in the joint sail included the guided missile destroyer INS Delhi, the fleet tanker INS Shakti, and the anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kiltan. The Philippines deployed two frigates, BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Jose Rizal.
