India and Philippines Conducted First-Ever Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in South China Sea.
International
In August 2025, the Indian Navy and the Philippine Navy conducted their first bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the South China Sea, also referred to by the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The exercise marked a significant step in enhancing maritime security cooperation and countering regional challenges.
- The MCA was the maiden bilateral naval exercise between India and the Philippines, aimed at improving maritime interoperability, joint operational readiness, and mutual trust. The event took place in the West Philippine Sea, which lies within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and forms part of the disputed South China Sea region.
- India deployed three major warships for the exercise: the guided missile destroyer INS Mysore, fleet tanker INS Shakti, and anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kiltan. These ships showcased India’s advanced naval capabilities and its commitment to free and open sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The Philippine Navy fielded two of its frontline frigates—BRP Miguel Malavar and BRP Jose Rizal—for the MCA. These ships, equipped with modern combat and surveillance systems, conducted joint drills with Indian vessels, demonstrating coordinated tactical maneuvers and communication protocols.
Main Point :- (i) The exercise is part of the Philippines’ broader maritime security strategy initiated in late 2023, under which it has been conducting MCAs with various partner nations. The cooperation with India adds a crucial dimension to regional defense diplomacy, especially in countering China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea.
(ii) The MCA between India and the Philippines aligns with both countries’ shared vision of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The exercise also reflects India’s “Act East Policy” and the Philippines’ effort to strengthen security partnerships to safeguard sovereignty and economic interests in its EEZ.
President: Bongbong Marcos
Capital: Manila
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