Indian Navy ships in Philippines: On Sunday, Indian Navy ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan sailed into Manila, Philippines, to bolster the two nations’ already strong ties and maritime cooperation.
The Philippine Navy greeted the ships warmly.
The visit also forms a component of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet’s Operational Deployment to the South China Sea.
According to report, both fleets’ personnel will participate in a variety of professional exchanges during the visit, including joint community outreach initiatives, cross-deck visits, sporting events, and Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).
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Along with their tour, the ships will take part in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Philippine Navy.
China and the Philippines are at odds more than ever over the Scarborough Shoal, as Manila has been more forceful in contested regions.
A traditional fishing ground frequented by several countries, the shoal is situated close to significant shipping waterways and lies about 220 kilometres off the coast of the Philippines within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), an EEZ is located roughly 370 kilometres from a nation’s coast.
Al Jazeera reports that China has claimed nearly the whole South China Sea, ignoring claims from other countries, notably the Philippines, and an international decision that says these claims have no legal foundation. Additionally claiming portions of the sea are Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
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In November 1949, not long after both nations attained independence, India and the Philippines formally opened diplomatic ties. The two nations’ ties have remained quiet but friendly.
Ships from the Coast Guard and Indian Navy visit the Philippines regularly. As have delegations from National Defence Colleges, officers of the armed services of both nations have increased their participation in a variety of specialised training courses held in each other’s countries.
