MANILA — Indian naval ships arrived in the Philippines on Sunday for a 4-day "goodwill visit" that aims to promote cooperation and cultural harmony between the 2 countries.

A guided missile destroyer INS Delhi, a fleet tanker INS Shakti, and an ASW corvette INS Kiltan — which are part of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy — pulled into Pier 15 of the Port of Manila at around 9 a.m. to welcome ceremony by the Philippine Navy.

While in the country, the Indian Navy will participate in various professional interactions including subject matter exchange sessions, sports fixtures, cross-deck visits, cultural visits, and collaborative community outreach programs to enhance the current mutual cooperation and understanding between the 2 nations. 

“Our ships will also participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) at sea with ships of the Philippines Navy,” said Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar in his arrival statement.

“The Indian Navy and Philippines Navy share strong bonds of friendship, and both have endeavored to participate in Maritime Partnership Exercises (MPX) at every available opportunity,” Dhankar added.

The visit is part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing operational deployment.

“We are visiting friendly foreign countries to share our experiences and best practices with the host nation Navies,” Dhankar said. 

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