India has expressed its full support for the Philippines in its ongoing dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea, citing Manila's commitment to upholding the rule of law.

"India has consistently favored adherence to a rules-based order and respect for international law. We fully support our Philippine friends in their efforts to ensure that whatever happens in the seas, it respects the constitution of the seas, which is the UNCLOS," Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said during the arrival of the Indian Navy's INS Kadmatt at Port Area, Manila on Tuesday.

Kumaran said Indian Navy ships visit the Philippines because they want to walk the talk in terms of engagement with the local navy.

"We want both navies to have engagements with each other, training and operational exchanges, and exercises because we grow when we work together. This will continue in the coming years as the Indo-Pacific Region is a key priority to India, and the Philippines is centrally located in the Indo-Pacific," he added.

He said that as very close democratic partners, both countries have shared interests in peace and stability in the region and many complementarities.

"The Philippines must expect India to continue to have a strong navy and maritime security engagement," he said.

The INS Kadmatt docked for the second time in Philippine waters after coming from a long-range deployment to key Indo-Pacific partner countries. Its first visit was in October 2017.

During Operation Turnaround, the ship was engaged in various professional engagements with the Philippine Navy.

This included courtesy calls by the commanding officer, Commodore K Syam Kiran, on the deputy commander of the Philippine Fleet; subject matter expert exchanges between both navies; and a planning conference held on board the Kadmatt for the Maritime Partnership Exercise on 13 December.

The ceremonial deck reception on the Kadmatt on Tuesday night was hosted by Ambassador Kumaran with Vice Commander Rear Admiral Caesar Valencia of the Philippine Navy, senior government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps,  and PN and AFP officers and prominent Indians in the Philippines as guests.