AUG 05: As part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing Operational Deployment to South East Asia, ships of the Eastern Fleet—INS Delhi (Guided Missile Destroyer), INS Shakti (Fleet Tanker), and INS Kiltan (Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette)—concluded their port call at Manila, Philippines. The deployment is led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF).
During the visit, the ships participated in a bilateral maritime exercise with the Philippine Navy from 03–04 August 2025, following a harbour phase (30 Jul–02 Aug) involving Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, operational planning, and cross-deck visits.
FOCEF called on senior Philippine defence leaders, including R Adm Joe Anthony Orbe, Lt Gen Jimmy D Larida, Undersecretary Ignacio B. Madriaga, and Vice Admiral Edger Ybanez, reinforcing the strategic convergence and shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
A deck reception onboard INS Shakti, attended by Ambassador Shri Harsh Kumar Jain and other dignitaries, promoted India–Philippines goodwill. Further cultural and professional interactions included ship visits by students, officials, and the Indian community, as well as Indian Navy personnel visiting a local orphanage.
Friendly sports matches and social engagements added a human dimension, strengthening people-to-people ties beyond the uniform. At sea, both navies executed coordinated anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine drills, enhancing operational synergy and interoperability.
The visit marked a significant milestone in India–Philippines naval relations, reinforcing India’s position as a reliable maritime partner dedicated to peace, stability, and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.
