Part of a Wider Indo-Pacific Deployment
INS Sahyadri is currently participating in a series of major multilateral and bilateral naval exercises across the Indo-Pacific, including MALABAR-2025, AUSINDEX-2025, JAIMEX-25, and India’s first bilateral maritime exercise with the Republic of Korea Navy. These engagements underline the Indian Navy’s commitment to ensuring a stable and cooperative maritime environment with Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
Through its presence and activities, INS Sahyadri continues to showcase the capabilities of India’s indigenous shipbuilding and the increasing operational readiness of the Indian Navy in the strategic waters of the Indo-Pacific.
Joint Drills: Enhancing Professional Interoperability
The maritime exercise conducted prior to the port call included tactical communication drills, coordinated navigation manoeuvres, and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations. Flying operations were also coordinated between the two navies to refine communication procedures and enhance mutual understanding.
Such operational engagements highlight the shared commitment of India and the Philippines to maintaining a secure maritime environment, especially amid evolving challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The drills also underline India’s intent to expand defence partnerships with Southeast Asian nations through capacity-building and consistent naval interactions.
Harbour Phase: Professional & Cultural Outreach
During the harbour stay in Manila, INS Sahyadri’s crew will participate in an extensive series of activities aimed at strengthening professional ties. These include Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck interactions, operational briefings, and formal ship visits.
The outreach activities will also include friendly sports matches, a joint Yoga session, and humanitarian assistance through an aid programme for a local orphanage. Such people-to-people engagements are a core part of the Indian Navy’s diplomatic missions, fostering goodwill and mutual respect.
Strengthening India-Philippines Maritime Partnership
The port call is significant in the backdrop of growing India-Philippines defence ties, particularly in maritime security, capacity enhancement, and regional stability initiatives. Both countries share converging interests in maintaining freedom of navigation, adherence to international law, and ensuring peace across the Indo-Pacific.
The visit of INS Sahyadri reinforces India’s commitment to supporting the Philippines as a key maritime partner. It also aligns with India’s broader foreign policy priorities of ensuring a safe, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, as repeatedly emphasised in India’s diplomatic engagements.
A Boost to India’s Act East Policy
The deployment reflects India’s increasing focus on engaging ASEAN nations in strategic and security domains. Through regular naval deployments, joint exercises, and humanitarian engagements, India continues to position itself as a responsible and reliable maritime partner in Southeast Asia.
For the Philippines, India’s sustained naval presence provides an opportunity to enhance its operational capacities, deepen defence diplomacy, and collaborate on shared maritime challenges.
Conclusion
INS Sahyadri’s Manila port call is not just a symbolic gesture but a concrete step in building a stronger maritime partnership between India and the Philippines. Through operational drills, professional exchanges, and cultural outreach, the visit strengthens mutual trust and supports the overarching goal of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
