Indian Navy Warships Join US, Japan, Australia For Multilateral Maritime Drill In Philippines

Two Indian Navy warships have arrived at Subic Bay in the Philippines to take part in a multilateral maritime security activity involving ASEAN countries and eight partner nations.

The INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate, and the INS Kulish, a Kora-class missile corvette, arrived at Subic Bay on Sunday, September 20, for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperation Activity.

Japan and the Philippines are co-hosting the activity. The programme will begin with engagements at Subic Bay before moving to operational activities at sea.

Ships and aircraft from India, the United States, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand and the Philippines are taking part in the activity.

The Indian Navy said on Monday that the deployment is part of India’s Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision. It said the activity will give the participating navies an opportunity to work with each other and develop a better understanding of common maritime challenges.

The U.S. Navy has deployed the USS Canberra, a littoral combat ship, along with a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Japan is taking part with the helicopter destroyer JS Ise.

The Philippine Navy has deployed the frigate BRP Jose Rizal and landing platform dock BRP Tarlac.

Australia is represented by HMAS Perth, while Singapore has sent RSS Justice. Brunei is participating with KDB Darussalam.

New Zealand has deployed HMNZS Te Mana and the sustainment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa.

The ADMM-Plus activity brings together maritime forces from ASEAN member states and the eight Plus countries. Its purpose is to support professional and operational engagement, improve interoperability and build greater understanding between the participating forces.

India-Philippines maritime ties

India and the Philippines continue to strengthen their maritime relationship.

The two countries established a Strategic Partnership in August 2025, following an increase in bilateral engagement over the previous decade.

Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F Ignacio spoke about the relationship during the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Council of World Affairs on September 15.

Ignacio said India and the Philippines had seen a significant increase in ties over the past decade. He said the relationship, which is formally 77 years old, had gained greater momentum during that period.

He described India as a partner of mutual and strategic trust, particularly in the maritime sector.

Subic Bay and the South China Sea

Subic Bay is on the western coast of Luzon and faces the South China Sea.

The area was once home to one of the largest overseas U.S. naval facilities. American forces left the facility in 1992, after which the former base was converted into a freeport.

Subic Bay has gained strategic importance as defence cooperation between the Philippines and the United States has become closer.

References: newindianexpress, indiandefensenews