NEW DELHI, 24 June 2024 — The perceptible intensification of cooperation between the Philippines and India is also visibly extending into the maritime and naval sphere.

This was emphasized by the introductory call of Philippine Ambassador Josel F. Ignacio on India's Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, at the latter’s office on 21 June. The Admiral took command of the Indian Navy on 30 April 2024.

The Ambassador and Navy Chief engaged in an animated discussion and exchange of views on a broad array of topics and issues impinging on the two countries’ burgeoning maritime security relationship. They expressed satisfaction at the rise of engagement between the Philippine and Indian navies, manifested in a spate of Indian Navy port calls in Manila and naval exercises as part of the Indian Eastern Fleet’s operational deployments in the South China Sea region.

They also surveyed positive developments taking shape in the larger bilateral defense cooperation landscape. 

Ambassador Ignacio and Admiral Tripathi also touched on maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The Ambassador conveyed the Philippine Government’s appreciation anew for INS Kolkata’s rescue and medical aid to the Filipino crew of MV True Confidence, which was hit by an armed attack at the Gulf of Aden in March.

They also discussed developments in the West Philippine Sea and the enduring relevance of rule of law, especially the UNCLOS and the Award in the 2016 Arbitration on the South China Sea.

The Ambassador and Adm. Tripathi renewed both sides’ commitment to fostering navy-to-navy cooperation and dialogue.

Accompanying Ambassador Ignacio was Embassy Political Officer Third Secretary Mark Anthony P. Dizon and Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Col. Rolando Gomez.

Other officials of the Indian Navy officials and Ministry of External Affairs were also present. END