India and the Philippines have initiated their first joint patrol in the South China Sea, a move that is expected to provoke China. The operation coincides with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India, highlighting the strengthening of bilateral relations. The joint exercise is part of a broader effort to enhance maritime security cooperation in the region.
The decision to conduct the patrol comes amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where multiple nations have competing territorial claims. India’s involvement is seen as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region. The Philippines, a key U.S. ally, has been increasingly aligning its foreign policy with India to counter Chinese assertiveness.
President Marcos’s visit to India is expected to focus on deepening defense and economic ties between the two countries. The joint patrol represents a significant step in their strategic partnership, which has been growing in recent years. Both nations have expressed concerns over China’s expansionist policies and the potential encroachment on their maritime zones.