Indian warship in Manila for goodwill visit

MANILA, Philippines — An Indian Navy ship has docked in Manila for a four-day goodwill visit that aims to enhance and strengthen relationship between the two countries.

Rajput-class destroyer INS Rana arrived at Pier 15, South Harbor in Manila on Tuesday.

The Philippine Navy, headed by Capt. Rolando Fernandez, Philippine Fleet safety officer, accorded the Indian Navy a welcome ceremony upon arrival.

The visiting Indian Navy officers then went through a port briefing on health and security aboard the INS Rana, according to a media release from the Philippine Navy.

While in the country, the Indian Navy will participate in confidence-building engagements with their Philippine counterparts such as shipboard tours, goodwill games and reciprocal receptions.

"It promotes closer cooperation and the commitment of both forces to maintain peace and stability in the maritime region," the Philippine Navy said.

Capt. Atul Deswal of the Indian Navy will also pay a courtesy call on Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad, Navy flag officer in command

Around the same time last year, two ships from the Indian Navy also docked in Manila for a goodwill visit.

Indian vessels INS Satpura and INS Kadmatt visited the Philippines in October 2017 to strengthen relations between the two nations. — Patricia Lourdes Viray