Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:25am on 05 Aug 2025,Tuesday International
India and the Philippines conducted their first joint naval exercise in the disputed South China Sea on Sunday, signaling growing defense ties. The two-day drill, held amid rising tensions with China, included two Philippine frigates and an Indian navy tanker. China's navy shadowed the exercise, deploying a guided-missile destroyer 25 nautical miles away. Philippine Army Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner stated the drill was successful and emphasized the importance of partnerships with “like-minded nations” like India. Beijing criticized the move, accusing Manila of inviting “foreign forces.” President Ferdinand Marcos is currently visiting India to strengthen strategic ties across multiple sectors. (PC: NDTV)
