India sends warships to Philippines for joint South China Sea patrol
Analysts suggest this marks a shift in India’s regional presence, extending its ‘necklace of diamonds’ strategy eastward
Currently docked at the Port of Manila, the Indian Navy warships – INS Mysore, a guided missile destroyer; INS Kiltan, an anti-submarine warfare corvette; and INS Shakti, a fleet tanker – are slated to take part in the joint sail from August 4-8, including in waters contested by Manila and Beijing.
Analysts say the coordinated maritime patrol, part of India's ongoing operational naval deployment across Southeast Asia, reflects a united front being presented by New Delhi and Manila as tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea.
At the arrival ceremony on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, the flag officer commanding the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, thanked the Philippine government for its warm reception. His crew introduced various surveillance aircraft to the Philippine media, highlighting their capability to accurately distinguish military vessels from civilian ships.