India and the Philippines to Conduct Joint Patrols in the South China Sea
According to the South China Morning Post, three Indian warships are currently docked at Manila Port in the Philippines and will conduct joint patrols with the Philippine Navy in the disputed South China Sea from August 4 to 8. The three ships are the missile destroyer "Mysore" (D60), the anti-submarine frigate "Kiltan" (P30), and the replenishment ship "Shakti" (A57), according to reports.
The report said that during the same period, Philippine President Marcos will visit India and hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Modi.
The South China Morning Post analysis pointed out that this maritime patrol is part of the Indian Navy's ongoing deployment in Southeast Asia, reflecting the united front between New Delhi and Manila amid escalating tensions in the disputed waters and increasing Chinese influence.
Philippine Navy Captain John Alcos told USNI News: "After the Indian warships end their visit to Manila Port, both sides will carry out maritime cooperation operations to further strengthen the solid maritime relationship between the Philippine Navy and the Indian Navy."
According to USNI News, although the two countries have conducted multiple exercises in the South China Sea, this will be the first time India conducts a maritime cooperation activity with the Philippine military. Compared to previous naval cooperation activities such as joint sailings, transit exercises, and maritime partnership exercises, this maritime cooperation operation aims to enhance interoperability between forces and demonstrate support for the Philippines at a time when the Philippines has disputes with China. The Philippine Armed Forces described this maritime cooperation activity in a press release as "an important exchange between nations aimed at maintaining peace and stability in international waters."
Following the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, and France, India is another country that has cooperated with the Philippines in the South China Sea through maritime cooperation actions.
In recent years, defense cooperation between India and the Philippines has continued to strengthen. In 2022, India sold the "Brahmos" supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles to the Philippine Marine Corps. Last year, New Delhi also revised its position on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration case, shifting from acknowledging the arbitration results to calling for compliance with the arbitration ruling.
Sources: South China Morning Post, USNI News
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839167551797256/
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