In a move signaling strengthened defense cooperation amid escalating regional tensions, the Indian and Philippine navies have conducted their first joint patrol in the South China Sea. The two-day exercise, which began on August 3, 2025, involved three Indian naval vessels, including the guided missile destroyer INS Delhi, and two Philippine frigates. This deployment coincides with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s state visit to New Delhi, where he is expected to discuss enhanced maritime ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The joint patrol aims to uphold international maritime law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which grants countries an exclusive economic zone within 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) of their shores. These exercises come at a time when the Philippines has been actively increasing its military cooperation with allies, following a series of clashes with China in the disputed South China Sea. China claims nearly the entire waterway, a claim invalidated by an international ruling.
China has reacted strongly to the joint naval exercises, accusing the Philippines of "drawing in external countries to stir up trouble" and claiming that the patrol "undermines regional peace and stability". A spokesperson for the Chinese military's Southern Theater Command stated that they conducted "routine patrols" in the South China Sea during the same period and remain on "high alert". Despite these tensions, the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, General Romeo Brawner, reported that no untoward incidents occurred during the patrol, though they were shadowed as expected.
This joint patrol is a significant step in the growing defense relationship between India and the Philippines. The Philippines is interested in acquiring more defense equipment from India, citing the quality and affordability of Indian systems. Discussions between Modi and Marcos are expected to include India's offer of a concessional Line of Credit to meet the Philippines' defense requirements, the acquisition of naval assets, and the expansion of joint exercises on maritime security. The ongoing delivery of BrahMos cruise missiles to the Philippines, jointly developed by India and Russia, further underscores this growing partnership.
India's engagement with the Philippines is also a part of its broader strategic vision in the Indo-Pacific region. The Philippines is seen as a vital partner in India's "Act East" policy, its Indo-Pacific outreach, and its maritime engagement within ASEAN. Beyond defense, India and the Philippines maintain strong economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching $3.5 billion in 2023-24. India is the largest exporter of pharmaceutical products to the Philippines, and Indian businesses have a growing presence in sectors like infrastructure, automobiles, and healthcare. Both countries are also exploring a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement.
The joint naval patrol and President Marcos' visit to India mark a deepening of ties between the two countries, driven by shared strategic interests and a commitment to a rules-based international order. While China views these developments with suspicion, India and the Philippines are signaling their resolve to strengthen their partnership in the face of rising tensions in the South China Sea.
