MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Indian Navy took a significant step toward closer defense cooperation with a diplomatic reception held aboard the Indian naval tanker INS Shakti on July 31, 2025 at Pier 15 in Manila, ahead of their first joint maritime exercise in the West Philippine Sea.
The event, attended by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., marked the port call of INS Shakti and highlighted the growing military partnership between the two Indo-Pacific democracies.
“This visit is not just a gesture of diplomacy—it is a message of solidarity,” Brawner said, underscoring the importance of defense ties amid growing regional tensions. “It reflects our shared commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and the rule of international law.”
The upcoming joint maritime cooperative activity will be the first between the Indian and Philippine navies in the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea, where China’s increasingly assertive behavior has drawn concern from other regional powers.
India’s naval engagement in Southeast Asia reflects its growing strategic interest in the region, aligning with its “Act East” policy and Indo-Pacific vision. The partnership also complements the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to expand defense ties with like-minded nations amid its maritime dispute with Beijing.
The joint exercise comes as both countries look to bolster interoperability and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.