Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Indian Navy Ships Join ASEAN Maritime Activity in Philippines
Two Indian Navy ships, Sahyadri and Kulish, arrived at Subic Bay in the Philippines.
They will join a maritime activity connected to the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus.
Maritime forces from ASEAN countries and eight partner countries are taking part.
The participants will practice working together and learn more about common challenges at sea.
India says the deployment supports its Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision.
The visit also helps Indian and Philippine maritime forces build closer professional relationships.
India and the Philippines created a Strategic Partnership in August 2025.
Their leaders recently discussed expanding cooperation in defence, trade, space, education and other areas.
Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, on September 21, 2026.
The ships will participate in the ADMM-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity involving ASEAN members and eight Plus countries.
The activity aims to improve maritime interoperability, mutual understanding and cooperation through professional and operational engagements.
India said the deployment supports its Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision for regional security and growth.
The visit follows the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership established in August 2025 and recent talks between Narendra Modi and Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
- Who
- Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish, along with maritime forces from ASEAN member states and eight Plus countries.
- What
- Participation in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity and related maritime engagements.
- When
- The ships arrived on September 21, 2026; Narendra Modi and Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met earlier on September 13.
- Where
- Subic Bay port in the Philippines.
- Why
- To strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability, improve understanding of shared maritime challenges, and deepen India-Philippines relations.
- Participating ships
- Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish
- Location
- Subic Bay, Philippines
- Main activity
- ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity
- Participants
- Maritime forces from ASEAN member states and eight Plus countries
- Indian policy frameworks
- Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision
- Bilateral milestone
- India-Philippines Strategic Partnership established in August 2025
- Earlier leaders’ meeting
- Narendra Modi and Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met on September 13 on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit
