Indian Navy ship in Manila to boost ties with Phl

MANILA, Philippines - An Indian Navy ship arrived Thursday for a four-day visit to boost defense ties with the Philippines.

In a statement, Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo said the goodwill visit of Sahyadri was meant to enhance and strengthen the mutual relationship between the two navies.

“It (provided) an opportunity for the Indian Navy personnel to unwind and relax, and at the same time, build camaraderie with their Filipino counterparts and the Filipino people,” Domingo said.

The Philippines and India are embroiled in a territorial dispute with China.

China has maintained presence in some West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, including   Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales, Panganiban (Mischief) Reef and Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal off Palawan.

The territorial dispute between China and India covers about 125,000 square kilometers of land.

Last week, Agence France-Presse reported that Chinese soldiers have advanced into a remote part of the Western Himalayas claimed by India.

China reportedly displayed a banner declaring that the area is part of Chinese territory.

However, Filipino officials said the visit had nothing to do with the territorial issues. 

Philippine Navy ship BRP Abraham Campo met the Sahyadri in the vicinity of Corregidor Island.

It was then escorted to Pier 15 in South Harbor, Manila.

Cmdr. Zosimo Villalon, Naval Reservist Management Center chief, led Philippine Navy personnel in welcoming the Sahyadri’s crew.

Cmdr. Jyotin Raina, Sahyadri commanding officer, and his crew also visited Navy headquarters to pay a courtesy call on Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Jesus Millan.

Ship tours, exchanges on security topics, community relations projects and goodwill games were also held during the visit.

“Topics on security, safety, health and goodwill games were discussed during the briefing,” Domingo said.