India and the Philippines launched their first joint naval patrols in the disputed South China Sea on August 3, 2025, a move that highlights increasing defense cooperation amid growing regional tensions. The two-day exercise featured Indian warships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan, alongside Philippine frigates, conducting maritime maneuvers and at-sea replenishment within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The patrols coincided with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s state visit to India, where talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to deepen maritime and defense collaboration. While there were no hostile incidents reported, both nations confirmed Chinese vessels shadowed the patrols, underscoring the operation’s significance as they seek to bolster deterrence and uphold freedom of navigation in the contested waters.