India-Philippines naval drill in South China Sea angers Beijing

The Indian and Philippine navies today concluded a two-day maritime exercise in the South China Sea — a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing. China accused the Philippines of “rallying an external force” in disputed waters and conducted a maritime patrol of its own in response.

China is embroiled in territorial disputes with five countries, including the Philippines, over demarcation of boundaries in the hydrocarbon-rich South China Sea.

On August 1, the Indian Navy had announced that the bilateral exercise would focus on joint manoeuvres and communication protocols to enhance preparedness, build mutual trust and strengthen operational synergy in the maritime domain.

Officials in New Delhi today confirmed that the exercise took place in the “West Philippine Sea” — a term used by Manila to assert its claims in parts of the South China Sea and challenge China’s sweeping sovereignty assertions. Indian Navy warships INS Delhi, INS Shakti and INS Kiltan participated in the drill.

Reacting strongly, China’s state-run Global Times quoted Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theatre Command, as saying: “The Philippines has been rallying an external country (India) to interfere in the South China Sea by organising so-called joint patrols, which undermine regional peace and stability.”

Tian added that China’s Southern Theatre Command forces remain on high alert to “resolutely defend national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests”.

The India–Philippines naval exercise comes just a day ahead of a scheduled bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr, who arrived in New Delhi today on a four-day state visit. The two leaders are set to meet on August 5 at Hyderabad House, where both sides are expected to sign several MoUs and agreements.

President Marcos Jr met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar upon arrival. “Delighted to call on President Marcos of the Philippines this evening in Delhi at the start of his state visit. Confident that his talks with PM Modi tomorrow will significantly deepen our bilateral partnership,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

This is President Marcos Jr’s first official visit to India, and it comes at a time when both nations are seeking to strengthen bilateral ties amid growing Chinese influence in South Asia.

During his stay, President Marcos will also meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold discussions with the Union Health Minister.

The Philippines, which is locked in a long-standing maritime standoff with China, procured the BrahMos missile system from India in 2022 and is now exploring further defence acquisitions. Among those under consideration is the Indian-made Akash air defence system, which demonstrated its capabilities during a skirmish with Pakistan. Manila has already deployed the land-based version of BrahMos, designed to strike naval targets.

Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner Jr, was quoted in local media as saying, “We are, in fact, ordering more equipment and weapon systems from India.”

He added that Indian defence hardware is not only of high quality, but also more cost-effective than alternatives from other nations.