India is advancing its maritime capabilities by integrating underwater drones into the operations of the Indian Coast Guard and Navy, enhancing surveillance in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for monitoring illegal activities and protecting marine biodiversity. Concurrently, the Philippines is seeking to procure Indian underwater drones to strengthen its surveillance against Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, reflecting a deepening strategic partnership. Both nations recognize the potential of unmanned technologies for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles, with Indian firms poised to benefit from this collaboration. This synergy underscores India’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific defense landscape amidst rising regional tensions.