Indian Naval Fleet comprising of INS Delhi, INS Shakti and INS Kiltan under the command of Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF) visited Manila, Philippines from 19-22 May 2024, as part of the Indian Navy's Operational Deployment to the South China Sea (SCS). On arrival, the IN Fleet was accorded a warm welcome by the Philippines Navy (PN). 

INS Delhi is the first indigenously designed and built Project-15 class guided missile destroyer, INS Shakti is a Fleet Support Ship and INS Kiltan is the third of the four indigenously built P28 class Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvettes. The three ships are part of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam.

During the visit, the ships engaged in various professional engagements with the PN. This included Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), Sports fixtures, Cross deck visits, Cultural exchanges and collaborative community outreach programmes.

FOCEF Dhankhar held wide ranging discussions with Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) of PN, Vice Adm Toribio Dulinayan Adaci on matters of mutual interest and the current security situation in the region and beyond. He also interacted with officials of Philippine Fleet and Philippine Coast Guard. In addition, FOCEF along with Commanding Officers of the ships paid respect to ‘Philippines National Hero’ Dr. Jose Rizal by laying wreath  at Luneta Park, Manila.

The Indian and Philippine Navy also undertook a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) at sea. The exercise included the entire gamut of tactical and seamanship exercises and culminated with a ceremonial steampast. 

The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on enhancing naval cooperation and interoperability between navies of India and Philippines. It is a testament of India's strong ties with Philippines and its commitment to further deepen defence and maritime partnership as well as maintenance of peace and stability in the region in consonance with India’s  'Act East' and ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ policy.