Philippine, Indian Navies Begin First Joint South China Sea Patrols

A crew member stands in front of the Indian Navy guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi armed with Brahmos anti-ship missiles (front R) after it docked at the international port of Manila on August 1, 2025. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

Indian Navy warships have begun patrolling areas of the disputed South China Sea with their Philippine counterparts for the first time, Manila’s military said Monday, as President Ferdinand Marcos departed for a state visit to New Delhi.

The two-day sail, which includes three Indian vessels, started Sunday, a day before Marcos left on a trip that will include talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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