Philippines and India Conduct First-Ever Joint Patrol in the South China Sea | WPN World People News

The Philippine military announced on August 4 that naval vessels from India and the Philippines have launched their first-ever joint patrol in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. The two-day patrol operation began yesterday, with India deploying three warships, which are currently conducting maritime replenishment activities.

According to foreign media reports, this development comes as Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. departs for New Delhi, India’s capital, where he is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are set to discuss and possibly sign a number of agreements spanning legal, cultural, and technological fields. However, international attention is focused on whether the two countries will formalize a defense cooperation agreement.

In recent years, due to frequent tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines has actively strengthened military ties with various allied nations. Last year, the Philippines purchased BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. These missiles can reach speeds of up to 3,450 kilometers per hour.

India is a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), along with the United States, Japan, and Australia, working together to promote regional security cooperation. Beijing has criticized the Quad as a strategic effort to contain China.