Philippines and India to hold first joint sail in West Philippine Sea

The Philippines and India are set to conduct a coordinated maritime sail within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) “for the first time.”

Speaking aboard the Indian Navy’s INS Shakti (A57) on Thursday evening, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the bilateral activity stemmed from discussions at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 held in New Delhi, India, from 17 to 19 March 2025.

Brawner’s participation marked the AFP's first-ever appearance at the prestigious global forum, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Government of India. The annual summit gathers policymakers, military officials, and experts to tackle pressing global issues in security and defense.

“In that bilateral meeting, I invited the Indian Armed Forces to come to the Philippines to join our joint sail. And so, here we are now four months after that bilateral meeting with this port call of these three Indian Navy,” he said.

Brawner emphasized that the visit of Indian naval vessels to the Philippines is more than a ceremonial display.

“It precedes a significant milestone — the first ever joint maritime patrol between the Philippine Navy and the Indian Navy in the West Philippine Sea,” he declared.

In today’s geopolitical environment, Brawner described the upcoming patrol as a “clear demonstration” of the two countries’ shared resolve to protect freedom of navigation and uphold international maritime law.

“As we stand watch over a region vital to global trade and security, we do not do so in isolation, but in partnership with nations who share our values,” he added.

He also praised India for its longstanding commitment to strategic autonomy, defense innovation, and democratic resilience, which he said “continue to inspire and strengthen our collective endeavors.”

Brawner highlighted India’s role in Philippine defense modernization, including the “historic acquisition” of the Indian-made BrahMos missile system, which enhances the AFP’s operational readiness and access to advanced platforms.

“Beyond equipment and platforms, it is the human bonds between our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines that will define the future of our defense cooperation,” Brawner pressed on.

Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año underscored the growing partnership between the two nations in maritime cooperation, capacity building, and education and training exchanges.

“In 2003 and 2004, the Philippines-India maritime dialogue was convened as the primary mechanism,” he said.

“We acknowledge that the Indian Navy holds and takes an ever-crucial role in putting the rule of law at the front and center, being steadfast defenders and agents of maintaining secure and peaceful maritime order in the region,” he added.