Fri Aug 01 16:05:03 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Indian Naval Ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan, under the command of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, arrived in Manila on August 1, 2025, as part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing operational deployment to Southeast Asia. The visit aims to reaffirm maritime ties between India and the Philippines and underscore India’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. Rear Admiral Menon emphasized the shared commitment to stability and maritime security. A bilateral maritime exercise is planned to enhance preparedness and trust between the two navies. The visit coincides with Philippines President Bongbong Marcos’s scheduled visit to India from August 4-8.

**News Article:**

**Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet Arrives in Manila, Strengthening Indo-Pacific Ties**

**Manila, Philippines – August 1, 2025** – Three Indian Naval Ships (INS) – Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan – arrived in Manila today, marking a significant step in strengthening maritime relations between India and the Philippines and reinforcing India’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. The Eastern Fleet, led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), received a warm welcome from the Philippine Navy.

The visit, part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing operational deployment to Southeast Asia, underscores the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific and India’s proactive engagement with partner nations. Rear Admiral Menon highlighted the shared commitment of both countries to maintaining regional stability and maritime security during his interaction with local press. He emphasized that such deployments are crucial for fostering understanding, trust, and cooperation between friendly maritime forces.

“This deployment demonstrates our dedication to working alongside our partners to ensure a secure and stable maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific,” stated Rear Admiral Menon.

The visit will culminate in a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian and Philippine Navies. The exercise will focus on joint maneuvers and communication protocols, aiming to improve operational preparedness, build mutual trust, and enhance synergy in the maritime domain.

The timing of the naval visit is especially noteworthy, coinciding with the upcoming state visit of Philippines President Bongbong Marcos to India from August 4 to August 8, further solidifying the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.

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