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Indo-Pacific Naval Diplomacy: Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet Wraps Up Manila Port Call With Bilateral Drills & Strategic Engagements

INS Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan conclude Manila port call with joint drills, strategic meetings, and humanitarian outreach, deepening India–Philippines naval ties.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Manila/New Delhi: In a powerful display of regional maritime engagement, three frontline Indian Naval warships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan concluded their operational port call at Manila, Philippines, as part of their ongoing deployment to Southeast Asia. Under the command of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), the deployment marks a major step in advancing India’s maritime diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific.

The Eastern Fleet’s port visit was capped with a high-intensity bilateral maritime exercise with the Philippine Navy from 30 July to 4 August 2025, reinforcing operational synergy and shared strategic priorities.

Strategic Conversations at the Helm

Rear Admiral Susheel Menon held high-level discussions with key defence leaders of the Philippines, including:

  • Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe, Commander, Philippine Fleet
  • Lt Gen Jimmy D Larida, Vice Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines
  • Undersecretary Ignacio B. Madriaga, Strategic Assessment and Planning
  • Vice Admiral Edger Ybanez, Deputy Commandant for Operations, Philippine Coast Guard

These engagements emphasized a mutual commitment to upholding a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, while reaffirming shared interests in regional peace, stability, and maritime cooperation.

Strengthening Bonds Beyond the Deck

A formal deck reception hosted aboard INS Shakti facilitated deeper interaction between the Indian and Philippine leadership. The reception was attended by Ambassador of India to the Philippines, Harsh Kumar Jain, along with senior naval and government officials. The event showcased India’s naval hospitality and strengthened diplomatic goodwill.

Further reinforcing people-to-people ties, Indian Navy personnel visited the Friendship Home Father Luis Amigó Orphanage in Manila. The heartwarming outreach highlighted the human dimension of military diplomacy, promoting compassion and cultural connection.

Also Read: Strategic Convergence at Sea: Philippines President’s India Visit to Cement Defence, Maritime Ties

Operational and Professional Synergy

The bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and Philippine Navy included both harbour and sea phases:

  • Harbour Phase (30 July – 2 August):
  • Subject Matter Expert Exchanges
  • Operational planning discussions
  • Cross-deck visits
  • Sea Phase (3 – 4 August):
  • Anti-air warfare drills
  • Anti-surface and anti-submarine exercises
  • Tactical manoeuvres and communication drills

These exercises demonstrated high levels of coordination and interoperability, enhancing tactical cooperation and mutual understanding between the two navies.

Cultural and Community Connect

In a move to deepen local engagement, the Indian warships welcomed Philippine Navy personnel, students, government officials, and members of the Indian diaspora aboard for guided tours. These interactions highlighted the professionalism, technological capability, and openness of the Indian Navy.

Friendly sports fixtures between personnel of both navies also added a vibrant, informal dimension building camaraderie, mutual respect, and lasting friendships beyond formal uniforms.

A Maritime Milestone in India–Philippines Ties

This port call to Manila represents more than just naval movement, it marks a strategic milestone in India–Philippines defence ties. Through joint drills, professional exchanges, cultural diplomacy, and humanitarian outreach, the Indian Navy has reaffirmed its role as a reliable maritime partner in the Indo-Pacific.

India’s Eastern Fleet continues to strengthen regional cooperation, operational readiness, and trust-driven diplomacy advancing a shared vision for peace and prosperity across the maritime domain.

Also Read: India-Philippines Defence Ties Deepen: BrahMos Expansion, Maritime Patrols Signal Strategic Shift in Indo-Pacific


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