India, Philippines Conduct First Joint Naval Patrols South China Sea

India and the Philippines have conducted their first-ever joint naval patrols and exercises in the disputed South China Sea, specifically in the West Philippine Sea, marking a significant step in their growing maritime cooperation amid ongoing territorial conflicts with China. The two-day patrol involved three Indian naval vessels and coincided with an upcoming visit by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This collaboration reflects heightened defense cooperation by the Philippines with multiple allies over recent clashes in the area, while India continues to assert its strategic presence given its own border disputes with China. Despite China's claims over nearly the entire South China Sea and its history of shadowing foreign naval patrols, no adverse incidents were reported during this exercise, though Chinese monitoring was expected. The Philippines has also recently purchased advanced BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India, enhancing its defense capabilities. This joint naval activity is seen as part of broader efforts by both democracies to promote freedom of navigation and strengthen deterrence against China's expansive maritime claims.