Indian Navy in Manila, Philippines.
India Navy Ships Manila, Philippines Port Call: Manila, Philippines – August 5, 2025 – Indian Naval Ships (INS) Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan, part of the Eastern Fleet, have successfully concluded a significant operational deployment and port call in Manila, Philippines, reinforcing maritime cooperation and strategic alignment between India and the Philippines. The visit, which wrapped up on August 4, 2025, included high-level diplomatic engagements, joint naval exercises, and cultural exchanges, underscoring a shared commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Under the command of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), the guided missile destroyer INS Delhi, fleet tanker INS Shakti, and anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kiltan, engaged in a series of activities designed to enhance bilateral relations. Following their port call, the ships participated in a bilateral maritime exercise with Philippine Navy vessels on August 3-4, 2025. This exercise, which included anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine drills, built upon a harbor phase conducted from July 30 to August 2, focusing on procedural discussions and subject matter expert exchanges.
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Rear Admiral Menon held crucial meetings with senior Philippine officials, including Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe, Commander Philippine Fleet; Lieutenant General Jimmy D Larida, Vice Chief of Staff Armed Forces of Philippines; Ignacio B. Madriaga, Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning; and Vice Admiral Edger Ybanez, Deputy Commandant of Operation Philippines Coast Guard. These interactions highlighted the growing strategic convergence between the two nations and their shared vision for regional stability, reaffirming their dedication to upholding a rules-based international order.
A deck reception hosted aboard INS Shakti further facilitated interactions among dignitaries, including India’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Harsh Kumar Jain, and senior Philippine Navy and government officials. The event served to deepen mutual goodwill and warmth in India-Philippines ties.
Indian Navy Ships.
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Beyond formal engagements, the visit featured professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, and operational planning sessions, fostering the exchange of best practices and strengthening mutual understanding. The bilateral maritime exercise at sea showcased high levels of coordination through tactical maneuvers and communication drills, significantly enhancing operational synergy.
The Indian Navy also engaged with the broader Philippine community. The ships were opened to visitors, welcoming personnel from the Philippine Navy, government officials, students, and members of the Indian community, thereby promoting maritime awareness and showcasing the Indian Navy’s professionalism and technological capabilities. In a gesture of compassion, Indian Navy personnel visited the Friendship Home Father Luis Amigó Orphanage in Manila, sharing time with the children and reinforcing bonds of goodwill.
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Friendly sports events between personnel of both navies added an informal yet impactful dimension to the visit, nurturing camaraderie, team spirit, and mutual respect, and building people-to-people ties that extend beyond official duties.
The port call to the Philippines marks a significant milestone in strengthening the India-Philippines maritime partnership. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing high-level diplomacy, operational engagement, cultural exchanges, and community outreach, the Indian Navy has reaffirmed its role as a dependable and cooperative maritime partner, committed to promoting peace, stability, and shared progress in the Indo-Pacific region.
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