Amid China's Indo-Pacific ambition, India holds naval exercise with Philippines
INS Ranvijay and INS Kora have been deployed in the Western Pacific with an aim to strengthen maritime security collaboration with partner nations.
FollowIndian Navy's guided-missile destroyer INS Ranvijay and guided missile corvette INS Kora conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise with Philippines Navy frigate BRP Antonio Luna on Monday in the West Philippine Sea, aimed to further strengthen the bilateral ties in the naval domain towards a collective aim of ensuring a stable, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The exercise assumed significance amidst China's military assertiveness in the waters of the Indo-Pacific.
Also Read: Indian warships reach Guam for Malabar wargames
The joint exercises included several operational manoeuvers
Currently, INS Ranvijay and INS Kora are deployed in the Western Pacific with an aim to strengthen maritime security collaboration with partner nations.
The exercise was contactless and all necessary health protocols were strictly observed as per the prevailing pandemic guidelines.
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After the exercise, the Indian naval ships are scheduled to call at Manila Port for replenishment.
India and the Philippines share a very strong defence and security partnership, which has been built over several years and spanning across all domains.
About a week ago, the two ships had also carried out a maritime exercise with the Vietnamese Navy in the South China Sea amidst China’s claim over the region.
Also Read: India and Vietnam flex muscles in China's backyard
From August 26, India's stealth frigate INS Shivalik and anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kadmatt will participate in the 25th edition of the Malabar exercise with the Australian, Japanese and the US navies. The two warships have already arrived in Guam.
