Economy
Indian Navy Completes Multilateral Maritime Security Drills in Philippines
Indian naval ships Sahyadri and Kulish completed a maritime security cooperation activity hosted in the Philippines.
What happened
Indian Navy ships INS Sahyadri, a stealth frigate, and INS Kulish, a missile corvette, completed the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Expert Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperation Activity in Subic Bay, Philippines. The event ran from September 21 to 25, 2026, hosted by the Philippine Navy and co-chaired by Japan. Indian personnel joined operational coordination and tabletop exercises before the sea phase. Activities included search and rescue, hydrographic surveys, medical evacuation, aircraft landing operations and assistance to ships in distress. The programme also included expert discussions, community engagement and cultural events.
Why it matters
The exercise gave participating navies practical experience in coordinating maritime operations and strengthened interoperability. India’s involvement also reinforced its regional partnerships under the Act East policy and SAGAR framework.
Source: Press Information Bureau (India)