As India's defence partnership with the Philippines grows at an unprecedented pace, especially at a time when Manila is seeking to reduce its dependence on Western weapons platforms, an Indian Navy warship joined the Philippine Navy for a maritime exercise in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday.
The ships taking part in the wargames are India's INS Kadmatt, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, and the Philippine Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
The development was confirmed by India's ambassador to the Philippines, Shambhu Kumaran, who stressed that New Delhi would continue its 'maritime security arrangement' with Manila.
"We have a common interest in peace and stability in the region. So you will expect India to continue to have a strong navy and a strong commitment to maritime security," Kumaran told reporters in the archipelago nation.
Curiously, this is the second time the INS Kadmatt has reached the shores of the Philippines. It visited Manila in 2017.