Navies of the Philippines and India initiate initial joint patrols in the South China Sea.
In a strategic move to counter China's extensive territorial claims in the South China Sea, India and the Philippines conducted their first joint naval patrol in early August 2025 [1][2]. This significant development in regional security underscores cooperation among like-minded countries to enforce a rules-based order in the contested waters.
The joint naval drills, which began on Sunday, involved multiple ships from both nations, focusing on joint maneuvers, communication protocols, and replenishment at sea [1][2]. This maritime cooperation aims to boost preparedness, mutual trust, and operational synergy between their navies. The cooperation is part of a broader strengthening of bilateral defense ties, coinciding with Philippine President Marcos's visit to India and discussions with Prime Minister Modi [2][3].
India’s involvement in the South China Sea signals its increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific, a region of high strategic importance and ongoing territorial disputes. It reflects India's intent to uphold international maritime law, including UNCLOS provisions on exclusive economic zones, and to challenge unilateral claims by China [2][4]. The move is viewed as part of a potential new regional power bloc in the Indo-Pacific, which could reshape the balance of power and counter China's dominance [3].
China, which claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, has monitored the joint operations, consistent with its well-known assertive posture in the region [2]. Although there has been no reported direct confrontation during the patrols, China's wariness and possible objection are evident in their monitoring activity. No specific official statement from China was highlighted in the sources, but the joint exercises are expected to provoke displeasure in Beijing given its claims over almost the entire South China Sea [2].
The Philippines, a long-standing victim of China's territorial aggression in the South China Sea, has been strengthening its defense cooperation with various allies over the past year, following a series of clashes in the region [5]. This joint patrol with India is not the first instance of such cooperation; the Philippines has previously purchased BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India, which has a top speed of 3,450 kilometers per hour [6].
As the joint patrol continues, India's naval vessels, including the guided missile destroyer INS Delhi, are stationed in Manila [7]. Before departing for India, President Marcos praised the two countries' "steadfastness in upholding international maritime law, including the UNCLOS" [8]. During his visit to India, Marcos is expected to sign pacts in fields such as law, culture, and technology [9].
The sail of three Indian vessels, which started on Sunday, is taking place before Philippine President Marcos embarks on a trip that includes talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi [10]. As a member of the Quad, a group that includes the United States, Japan, and Australia, India's role in the South China Sea is significant and could potentially reshape the regional power dynamics.
References:
- ABC News
- Reuters
- The Hindu
- CNN
- South China Morning Post
- BrahMos Aerospace
- The Economic Times
- Philippine Star
- Manila Bulletin
- Business Standard
- The naval cooperation between India and the Philippines extends beyond military exercises, as Philippine President Marcos is expected to sign pacts in fields such as law, culture, and technology during his visit to India.
- In an effort to challenge China's dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, India's involvement in the South China Sea also involves strengthening cultural and technological ties with allies like the Philippines, as apparent in the upcoming agreements in these areas during President Marcos's visit to India.
