India Deploys Warships for South China Sea Patrol

India has stepped up its maritime presence in the Asia-Pacific, deploying three warships to the Philippines on Wednesday ahead of a joint patrol with Manila in the South China Sea—a move analysts see as New Delhi taking a firmer stance against China’s actions in the disputed waters.

Currently docked at the Port of Manila, the Indian Navy warships, INS Mysore (D60), a guided missile destroyer, INS Kiltan (P30), an anti-submarine warfare corvette, and INS Shakti (A57), a fleet tanker, will participate in a joint sail scheduled on August 4 to 8.

India’s 163-meter INS Mysore is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles—jointly developed by India and Russia—with an extended range of up to 800 kilometers.

The upcoming coordinated maritime patrol, part of Indian Navy's ongoing operational deployment across Southeast Asia, underscores a united front as tensions continue to rise in the contested waters amid China’s growing assertiveness.

At the arrival ceremony on July 30, Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Fleet, thanked the Philippine government for its warm reception. His crew introduced various surveillance aircraft to the Philippine media, highlighting their capability to accurately distinguish military vessels from civilian ships.

“We are extremely looking forward to this opportunity. Our two nations share common values and interests particularly in the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific,” Menon said.

While in the country, the Indian Navy is also set to engage in various professional exchanges with their Philippine counterparts. These activities aim to strengthen interoperability and foster closer naval cooperation between the two countries.

According to an analyst, India’s decision to send warships for joint patrols with the Philippines reflects New Delhi’s recognition that China is not a status quo power.

Dr Anita Abbott, chair of New Zealand based Asia Pacific Security Innovation Forum, said that India’s assertive posture signals a shift from episodic cooperation with Manila to a more consistent regional presence.

“Remember, the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean Region are interconnected strategic theatres, especially for China. This means, by cooperating with the Philippines, India will be able to extend its reach eastward, and build maritime depth , which consequently enable India to project itself as a pan-Indo-Pacific maritime power,” Abbott explained.

“Moreover, by strengthening its posture in the South China Sea, India reinforces its ‘Necklace of Diamonds’ strategy in the Indian Ocean Region,” she added, referring to a network of allies around the Indian Ocean and Asia-Pacific to contain China’s influence.

However, as always, Abbott pointed out India avoids direct provocation with China and it does not explicitly endorse Manila’s legal claims against China.

“There are also other ways to balance its support for the Philippines with its relationship with Beijing. For instance, by participating in the  Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” Abbott said.

New Delhi’s upcoming joint maritime drills with Manila are not happening for the first time. Last year, the same three warships made a goodwill port call to Manila, while the last joint naval drills between India and the Philippines took place in 2021 in the West Philippine Sea.

At the same time India played a significant role in Manila’s military modernization, supplying the country with military hardware such as its Brahmos anti-ship missiles.

Since 2022, Manila has been building alliances with neighboring countries. The latest was in June where it signed a logistics support agreement with  New Zealand. Under the agreement, both countries can provide each other with logistical support during joint exercises, training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response operations.

Manila and Tokyo have reached a Reciprocal Access Agreement that allows Filipino and Japanese forces to deploy on each other’s soil for joint military exercises, including live-fire drills.

On top of that, Manila and the United States are bound by the long-standing 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty that calls on both sides to help each other in times of aggression by an external power.