August 4, 2025 — India and the Philippines conducted their first-ever joint naval exercise in the disputed South China Sea over the weekend, a move that is likely to be viewed with concern by China, which claims almost the entire waterway.
The bilateral drill involved the Indian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer INS Ranvijay and the Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna, a modern Jose Rizal-class frigate. The warships conducted tactical maneuvers, coordinated patrols, and communication exercises aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and ensuring interoperability.
According to official statements, the exercise was conducted “to enhance mutual trust and maritime partnership,” and to promote a “free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.” The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said the drill also reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The South China Sea is a strategic maritime corridor that sees over $3 trillion in trade pass through annually. While several Southeast Asian nations have competing territorial claims, China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire area through its so-called “nine-dash line,” a claim rejected by an international tribunal in 2016.
Although India is not a claimant in the South China Sea, it has repeatedly emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. The joint exercise with the Philippines aligns with India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy and reflects its growing defense engagement with Southeast Asian nations.
This development follows a 2023 defense cooperation agreement between New Delhi and Manila, which included commitments to deepen collaboration in defense technology, intelligence sharing, maritime security, and capacity building. In recent months, the Philippines has also expanded its naval ties with the United States, Japan, and Australia, amid rising tensions with China near its exclusive economic zone.
Security analysts say the India-Philippines drill, though modest in scale, carries strong geopolitical messaging.
“The exercise sends a clear signal that regional players are willing to work together to maintain balance and deter unilateral actions in contested waters,” said Dr. Rohan Malhotra, a maritime affairs expert based in Singapore.
As of Monday, there was no official response from Beijing. However, in similar past instances, China has criticized joint exercises in the region as provocations and interference in its sovereign affairs.
The India-Philippines naval drill marks a new chapter in bilateral defense ties and underscores the increasing alignment among Indo-Pacific nations concerned about freedom of navigation and regional stability.
