https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

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


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Satpura Tiger Reserve
Satpura Tiger Reserve Sees New Tiger Cubs; Jhalai’s First Litter Captured
Madhya Pradesh Logo IM
Hotel & Resort Operators Can Now Conduct Jungle Safaris in MP Tiger Reserves
Sanjiv Bhatt Custodial Torture Case
Gujarat High Court Rejects Sanjiv Bhatt’s First-Class Prisoner Status Plea
Yogi Adityanath
Samarth Uttar Pradesh @2047: Over 53 Lakh Citizens Share Vision for Yogi Adityanath’s Prosperity Campaign
Haryana gov resized
Haryana Government Assigns Additional Charges to Three IAS Officers
Vishnu Deo Sai CM
Record-Breaking Diwali Trade in Chhattisgarh: Rs. 16,000 Crore Boost Fuels Economic Growth and 'Vocal for Local' Movement
CM Vishnu Sai Sohrai Karma Mahotsav 2025
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Sai Celebrates Sohrai Karma Mahotsav 2025, Announces Major Grants and Development Projects for Rautia Community
8th pay commission
CSS Forum Urges PM Modi: Constitute 8th CPC Soon to Boost Employee Morale and Support ‘Developed India 2047’
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-23 at 10.40
Everybody Needs To Know What Is Transpiring Behind Closed Doors Of Courts
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Kushal Chaudhary RAS
From Lab Assistant’s Grit to Rajasthan Topper: How Kushal Chaudhary Topped RAS 2023 with Self-Study | Preparation, Strategy & Interview
Kushal Chaudhary, a farmer’s son and lab assistant from Ajmer, topped RAS 2023 through self-study, overcoming...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Satpura Tiger Reserve
Satpura Tiger Reserve Sees New Tiger Cubs; Jhalai’s First Litter Captured
Madhya Pradesh Logo IM
Hotel & Resort Operators Can Now Conduct Jungle Safaris in MP Tiger Reserves
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-23 at 10.40
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT