Indian naval ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan arrived in Manila, reinforcing the maritime cooperation between India and the Philippines. This visit, led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, aligns with India’s ongoing operational deployment in Southeast Asia and underscores India’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Notably, the two nations are set to conduct their first joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea, amidst rising concerns over China’s assertiveness. This historic engagement includes operational planning discussions and bilateral exercises aimed at enhancing interoperability and mutual trust. The upcoming State Visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India further highlights the deepening ties, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The partnership is enhanced by India’s BrahMos missile system export to the Philippines, showcasing a strong defense collaboration. Both nations face comparable security challenges and are committed to maintaining a free, open, and rules-based maritime environment. Overall, these developments reflect a significant pivot towards enhanced defense cooperation and regional stability, positioning India and the Philippines as pivotal partners in addressing shared security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.