Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish arrived at Subic Bay in the Philippines on Sunday to take part in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity.

This deployment forms part of the Indian Navy’s operational outreach and reflects India’s growing maritime engagement in the region.

The ADMM-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity brings together maritime forces from ASEAN member states and eight Plus countries. Its purpose is to foster professional and operational engagements that enhance interoperability, build mutual understanding, and strengthen cooperation in the maritime domain.

India’s participation in this activity is aligned with the Government’s Act East Policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR. It underscores New Delhi’s commitment to multilateral maritime cooperation and constructive engagement with regional partners.

The deployment is designed to provide opportunities for the Indian Navy to interact with other maritime forces, contributing to a deeper understanding of shared maritime challenges.

The port call at Subic Bay also highlights the strengthening maritime relationship between India and the Philippines. This builds upon recent bilateral engagements and the establishment of the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership in August 2025. The deployment offers a platform to further consolidate professional linkages and maritime cooperation between the two nations.

Earlier, on September 15, Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F Ignacio spoke at the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Council of World Affairs. He noted that India and the Philippines have witnessed a significant intensification of ties over the past decade, culminating in the elevation of the relationship to a strategic partnership last year. He emphasised that the relationship, formally 77 years old, has gained visible momentum in the past decade.

Ambassador Ignacio described India as a partner of great mutual and strategic trust, particularly in the maritime space.

He pointed out that the Philippines sees India as a responsible player, a preferred security partner, and a first responder in times of crisis. He recalled India’s assistance to Filipino seafarers in the Indian Ocean during recent uncertainties, which reinforced this trust.

He also highlighted India’s role as a source of knowledge and a model for ASEAN countries. For the Philippines, India is seen as a valued partner whose experience and responsible conduct in the maritime domain provide lessons for the wider region.

The arrival of Sahyadri and Kulish at Subic Bay thus represents more than a routine naval deployment. It is a visible demonstration of India’s strategic commitment to ASEAN-led frameworks, its deepening partnership with the Philippines, and its broader role as a stabilising maritime power in the Indo-Pacific.

ANI