Indian Navy Enters South China Sea Theatre, Coincides with Marcos’ Visit in Strategic Message to Beijing

In a move signalling a growing strategic alignment between New Delhi and Manila, three Indian Navy warships docked at the Port of Manila to participate in joint maritime activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), marking the first time Indian naval forces have operated in these contested waters.

Indian Naval Ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan, part of the Eastern Fleet, arrived in the Philippines as part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing operational deployment to Southeast Asia. The ships are taking part in a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from August 4 to 8, underscoring India’s intent to deepen defence ties and expand its regional maritime footprint.

The timing is strategic. The port call and joint sail precede Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first state visit to India, scheduled during the same dates. The visit is expected to boost further cooperation in defence, trade, and regional security, as President Marcos is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leading Indian business leaders in New Delhi.

Led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Fleet, the Indian naval deployment reinforces New Delhi’s commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, a vision increasingly shared by Manila as tensions with Beijing escalate in the South China Sea.

“This is not merely ceremonial,” said AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., speaking aboard INS Shakti. “This is a clear demonstration of both nations’ resolve to guard the seas and uphold international maritime law.”

Brawner confirmed that the idea for the joint sail originated during the Raisina Dialogue 2025 held in New Delhi earlier this year, where military leaders from both countries discussed strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. “Four months later, we are now realising this initiative,” he said.

Joint Sail in Contested Waters Sends Message to Beijing

The decision to sail together in the West Philippine Sea, a portion of the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines but contested by China, is seen as a deliberate geopolitical signal. Though not explicitly stated, the move challenges China’s expansive maritime claims and aligns India more closely with regional powers opposing Beijing’s assertiveness.

Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año emphasised the broader importance of this engagement. He stated, as reported by The Manila Times, “This represents a deepening of maritime cooperation, capacity-building efforts, and professional military exchanges. India is a vital partner in upholding the rule of law and maintaining maritime order.”

India and the Philippines have shared growing strategic interests in recent years, as both nations contend with the challenges of an assertive China and seek to diversify defence partnerships. The revival of maritime dialogue mechanisms, initially convened in 2003–04, signals a maturing bilateral relationship anchored in shared democratic values and maritime security concerns.

Expanding India’s Indo-Pacific Footprint

India’s naval presence in Southeast Asia has expanded in recent years, part of its broader Act East Policy and commitment to being a net security provider in the region. The Eastern Fleet’s deployments have included port calls and exercises with other regional navies, but this is the first time Indian ships have actively sailed in Philippine-claimed waters.

For Manila, the engagement adds diplomatic and operational heft to its growing network of maritime partnerships, including with the United States, Japan, and Australia. For New Delhi, it positions India as a credible and willing partner in regional stability.

As President Marcos Jr. prepares to touch down in New Delhi, the symbolism of Indian warships sailing in the WPS alongside Philippine vessels sends a pointed message that the Indo-Pacific order is increasingly being shaped not just by great power rivalry but by coalitions of like-minded nations defending shared rules and values.

Ravi Shankar