The Indian Navy’s hydrographic survey ship, INS Sandhayak (J18), made its inaugural port call in the Philippines on Friday, marking a significant step in defense and maritime cooperation between New Delhi and Manila.

The INS Sandhayak is one of four Indian Navy vessels currently docked at the Port of Manila, in a demonstration of India’s expanding engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Sandhayak, commissioned in February 2024, is the first of a new class of indigenously designed and constructed hydrographic survey ships. 

“This is the first time this ship has come to this part of the world because the ship is a new one and it's just got a longer endurance and excellent state-of-the-art survey,” said Captain Nattuva Dheeraj, commanding officer of the Sandhayak, in an interview with reporters.

The Indian survey ship’s primary role is to conduct ocean mapping and collect marine data to support civilian navigation, environmental monitoring, and economic development. 

“We map the oceans, which is used for mariners across the globe, so there's nothing defense in it. It is more of a hydrography-related job,” Dheeraj noted. 

The vessel is also equipped to serve as a hospital ship during emergencies or wartime.

“This ship also is a hospital ship. So, in the conditions of war, we will get converted to a hospital ship and also, we have a limited coastal defense. We have small ammunition and weapon software. But we are more often a peace-time ship,” Dheeraj further said.

He also emphasized the collaborative intent behind the visit, noting that both India and the Philippines share vast maritime domains requiring detailed survey work.

“We are just trying to collaborate in ways we can help each other,” he said. 

The Sandhayak’s arrival also marks the vessel’s farthest deployment to date. 

“In the times to come, we can share more information, more training, and contribute to the economic growth of our respective countries.”

Joining the INS Sandhayak in Manila are the INS Delhi (D61), a guided-missile destroyer; INS Shakti (A57), a fleet tanker; and INS Kiltan (P30), an anti-submarine warfare corvette. 

The three warships are scheduled to participate in a maritime cooperative activity with the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea next week.

The multi-ship visit underscores India’s growing naval diplomacy in Southeast Asia and its commitment to fostering maritime security and interoperability with regional partners.

Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, said the visit of Indian naval ships to the Philippines shows the shared commitment of both New Delhi and Manila to maintaining freedom of navigation and promoting a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

“There is a long tradition of the Indian Naval Ships making port calls to the Philippines almost once every year. However, it is for the first time that a survey ship is visiting the Philippines,” he said.

Jain described these visits as “ambassadors of peace,” fostering bridges of friendship across the vast oceans connecting the two nations. 

He also underscored the importance of such exchanges in enhancing mutual trust and understanding between the defense forces, addressing shared maritime challenges, and improving interoperability through joint cooperation and professional exchanges.

The Indian ambassador noted that India and the Philippines share deep historical and cultural ties, anchored in democratic values and mutual respect for sovereignty and development aspirations.

The timing of this visit, he said, is especially significant as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations and look forward to deepening their multifaceted cooperation.