SOURCE: AFI
A recent visit by Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan to Manila, Philippines, underscored the strong relationship between the two nations. The visit, part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet deployment to the South China Sea, aimed to further deepen the India-Philippines partnership.
The port call in Manila facilitated several key interactions. Indian Navy personnel engaged in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) with their Philippine counterparts, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration. Additionally, sports fixtures, cultural exchanges, and community outreach programs strengthened bonds between the two navies and local communities.
The visit also served as a platform to showcase India’s growing indigenous defense capabilities. Philippine Navy officials received briefings on the advanced features and operational effectiveness of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), a domestically designed and produced platform.
This development comes on the heels of the Philippines’ recent acquisition of the BrahMos missile system from India. The Filipino forces’ expressed interest in the ALH helicopters suggests a potential expansion of defense cooperation between the two nations.