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India conducts joint naval exercise with Philippines as it seeks to expand South China Sea role
- Monday’s exercise in the disputed waters was the latest in a series of efforts to expand the country’s presence in the region
- India will also join its Quad partners – the US, Australia and Japan – amid its growing concern about China’s rise
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Amber Wangin Beijing
India has carried out a naval drill with the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea as it seeks to step up its presence in the region amid its growing rivalry with China.
The guided missile destroyer INS Ranvijay and guided missile corvette INS Kora joined the Philippine frigate BRP Antonio Luna for Monday’s exercise, officials told the Indian broadcaster NDTV.
The exercises included “several operational manoeuvres and the participating ships of both navies were satisfied with the consolidation of interoperability achieved through this operational interaction at sea,” Commander Vivek Madhwal, from the Indian navy, said.
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The drill with the Philippines, is part of a two-month Indian naval deployment announced earlier this month.
01:37
Chinese fishing boats return to disputed South China Sea after summer moratorium ends
Chinese fishing boats return to disputed South China Sea after summer moratorium ends
It also includes other bilateral exercises with South China Sea littoral states – Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia – along with exercises with its Quad partners – the United States, Japan and Australia – as part of its efforts to enhance coordination with “friendly countries” committed to freedom of navigation, the navy said.
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