Indian Naval Ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish joined partner navies in Subic Bay, Philippines, to participate in the ASEAN multilateral maritime exercise framework, demonstrating India’s commitment to regional maritime security and seamless operational interoperability across the Indo-Pacific. The deployment underscores New Delhi’s active engagement under its 'Act East' policy and the overarching vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), strengthening defense ties with ASEAN member nations and regional partner navies. Strategic Deployment at Subic BayThe arrival of the multi-role stealth frigate INS Sahyadri and the guided-missile corvette INS Kulish at Naval Operating Base Subic marks a key operational milestone for the Indian Navy’s forward deployment in Southeast Asia. Co-hosted by the Philippine Navy and co-chaired alongside international partner forces, the exercise framework under the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus structure brings together naval assets to address shared maritime challenges in critical sea lanes. The participation of frontline Indian warships highlights India's growing naval footprint in the West Philippine Sea and broader South China Sea region, reinforcing New Delhi’s stance on a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.Core Objectives & Exercise PhasesThe exercise program was structured across two primary phases designed to build tactical trust, standardize communication protocols, and enhance collaborative responses to oceanic contingencies. Breakdown of Operational ModulesPhaseCore Activities & Focus AreasStrategic ObjectiveHarbour Phase (Subic Bay)• Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) on marine environmental protection and security.• Tabletop exercises and operational synchronization conferences.• Cross-deck interactions, senior leadership briefings, and community engagement programs.Build professional trust, align tactical communication codes, and harmonize contingency plans.Sea Phase (Offshore Waters)• Coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) drills.• Cross-deck helicopter landing qualifications.• Hydrographic survey drills, medical evacuations, and assistance to stranded vessels.Enhance tactical interoperability among ASEAN-plus navies during real-world maritime crises.Participating alongside Indian vessels were naval ships from the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, reflecting a multi-nation commitment to maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Participating Indian Warships: Technical ProfileThe deployment features two distinct frontline platforms, demonstrating the Indian Navy's versatile surface capabilities:INS Sahyadri (F49): A Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. Equipped with advanced surface-to-air missile systems, anti-submarine rockets, and stealth architecture, Sahyadri serves as a primary blue-water power projection asset. INS Kulish (P63): A Kora-class guided-missile corvette armed with anti-ship missile batteries. Designed for high-speed surface attack and coastal patrol duties, Kulish brings specialized maneuvering capabilities to joint formation drills. Prior to arriving in the Philippines, Kulish made a historic port call at Ream Naval Base in Cambodia. Alignment with 'Act East' and MAHASAGAR InitiativesIndia's active naval presence in the Philippines aligns directly with central strategic frameworks driving foreign and defense policy:Act East Policy: Translating economic engagement into robust defense partnerships with ASEAN members, promoting stability along vital trade routes.MAHASAGAR Vision: Standing for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, the framework positions the Indian Navy as a preferred security partner and first responder in humanitarian and maritime security scenarios across the Indo-Pacific. India-Philippines Strategic Partnership: Following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, joint naval exercises reflect deepening defense cooperation, including training exchanges, defense equipment procurement, and joint maritime monitoring. Broader Regional ImpactAs maritime dynamics in Southeast Asia evolve, collaborative exercises under the ASEAN banner offer a neutral, rules-backed framework for multinational navies to operate together seamlessly. The successful execution of joint drills by INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish reinforces India’s role as a key contributor to regional maritime stability, ensuring that critical sea lines of communication remain open, secure, and resilient.
