Indian Naval Ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan concluded a successful port call at Manila, engaging in high-level diplomacy, joint exercises, and community outreach, reaffirming India–Philippines maritime cooperation for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
✨ Highlights:
- Ships: INS Delhi, INS Shakti, INS Kiltan under FOCEF Rear Admiral Susheel Menon
- Port call at Manila, Philippines as part of South East Asia operational deployment
- Talks held with top officials from the Philippine Navy, Armed Forces, and Coast Guard.
- Bilateral maritime exercise (30 Jul–4 Aug 2025) covering anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine drills
- Deck reception onboard INS Shakti fostering diplomatic and defence ties
- Professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, and tactical coordination drills at sea
- Outreach visit to the Friendship Home Father Luis Amigó Orphanage
- Friendly sports events promoting camaraderie and people-to-people connections
During its ongoing operational deployment to South East Asia, the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet—led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), and comprising INS Delhi (Guided Missile Destroyer), INS Shakti (Fleet Tanker), and INS Kiltan (ASW Corvette)—successfully concluded a strategic port call at Manila, Philippines.
During the visit, FOCEF engaged in high-level discussions with senior Philippine leaders, including R Adm Joe Anthony C Orbe (Commander, Philippine Fleet), Lt Gen Jimmy D Larida (Vice Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines), Ignacio B. Madriaga (Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning), and Vice Admiral Edger Ybanez (Deputy Commandant of Operations, Philippines Coast Guard). The talks underscored a mutual commitment to a rules-based Indo-Pacific and strengthened strategic maritime cooperation.
A deck reception onboard INS Shakti welcomed dignitaries such as Ambassador of India to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, Philippine Navy leaders, and senior government officials. The reception strengthened bilateral goodwill and defence cooperation.
The visit featured professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert sessions, and operational planning meetings, enabling both navies to share best practices.
Between 30 July and 2 August 2025, the harbour phase of the bilateral exercise centred on tactical planning, safety procedures, and joint training activities. This was followed by the sea phase (3–4 August 2025), which featured anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare drills, along with tactical manoeuvres and communication exercises, showcasing the strong operational coordination between the two navies.
The Indian Navy also engaged in public outreach—welcoming visitors from the Philippine Navy, government, schools, and the Indian community onboard. Personnel visited the Friendship Home Father Luis Amigó Orphanage, sharing time with children and reinforcing humanitarian bonds.
Adding a lighter touch, friendly sports matches between Indian and Philippine naval personnel strengthened camaraderie and mutual trust beyond formal engagements.
The port call marked a milestone in India–Philippines maritime relations, blending diplomacy, operational collaboration, cultural engagement, and humanitarian outreach—reaffirming the Indian Navy’s commitment to peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
