Indian Naval Ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish have reached Subic Bay in Philippines on September 20 to take part in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Joint Cooperation Activity. The deployment forms part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing operational presence in the Indo-Pacific and underscores New Delhi’s commitment to multilateral maritime cooperation.
Keywords: INS Sahyadri, INS Kulish, ADMM-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity, India-Philippines Strategic Partnership, Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR, Subic Bay Indian Navy
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence, the ADMM-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity brings together maritime forces from ASEAN member states and the eight Plus countries for professional and operational engagements. These interactions aim to enhance interoperability, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen cooperation in the maritime domain. Participating nations include Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States and others, with activities spanning harbour-phase tabletop exercises, subject-matter expert exchanges and a subsequent sea phase focused on practical maritime skills.
INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate, and INS Kulish, a Kora-class guided-missile corvette, will contribute both high-end combat capability and operational experience to the multilateral effort. The Indian Navy’s participation aligns with the Government of India’s Act East Policy and the broader MAHASAGAR vision, Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
The port call also highlights the expanding maritime relationship between India and the Philippines. Diplomatic ties between the two countries date back to 1949, followed by a Treaty of Friendship in 1952. Defence cooperation was institutionalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2006. Ties received a major boost in August 2025 when the relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s state visit to India. India has supplied BrahMos shore-based anti-ship missile systems to the Philippines, with deliveries completed in 2024 and 2025. The two navies conducted their first bilateral maritime cooperative activity in the West Philippine Sea in August 2025, marking a significant step in operational engagement.
This latest deployment provides an opportunity to further deepen professional linkages and reinforce shared interests in a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific. By participating in ADMM-Plus frameworks, India continues to position itself as a reliable partner contributing to regional maritime security and stability.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
