INS Sahyadri, Kulish join multinational maritime drills in Philippines

New Delhi: The Indian Navy warships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish have joined naval forces from several countries for a multinational maritime security activity in the Philippines, with the two ships taking part in the sea phase of the 23rd ADMM-Plus Experts’ working group on maritime security joint cooperative activity. The exercise brings participating forces together for practical training and coordinated operations at sea.

The Navy said the sea phase included activities such as surveillance, maritime interdiction, replenishment at sea and boarding operations. Search-and-rescue drills and cross-deck landings were also conducted as the participating ships worked together in different maritime situations.

The Navy said the activity is aimed at improving coordination and interoperability among the participating forces. The exercise is being co-hosted by Japan and the Philippines, with Australia, Brunei, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore and the United States participating in the maritime component this year.

RNA Media had earlier reported that INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish had reached Subic Bay for the joint activity as part of the Navy’s operational deployment. The shore programme included a disaster response tabletop exercise, professional exchanges, ship visits and cultural engagements before the forces moved to the sea phase.

The deployment is part of India’s wider maritime engagement in the Indo-Pacific. INS Sahyadri is a Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate, while INS Kulish is a Kora-class missile corvette, Kulish had earlier visited Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base on September 12 during the Eastern Fleet deployment.

The exercise also comes as India and the Philippines deepen their defence relationship. Under the strategic partnership established in August 2025, the two sides agreed to institutionalise navy-to-navy talks and expand cooperation in defence and maritime security.

The Philippines ambassador to India, Josel F Ignacio, had described India as a “preferred security partner” while speaking at the Indian Council of World Affairs on September 15. He also highlighted the convergence of interests between the two countries in the maritime domain. The defence ministry has linked India’s participation in the activity with its Act East Policy and Mahasagar vision. The current deployment gives Indian naval personnel an opportunity to train with partner forces and build greater familiarity through joint operations at sea