As part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing operational deployment, INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, on 20 September 2026 to participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA).
The ADMM-Plus JCA brings together maritime forces from ASEAN Member States and eight Plus countries for professional and operational engagements aimed at enhancing interoperability, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cooperation in the maritime domain.
The participation of the Indian Navy in the activity is in line with the Government of India’s Act East Policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The deployment highlights India’s continued commitment to multilateral maritime cooperation and constructive engagement with regional partners.
During the deployment, the Indian naval ships will engage with participating maritime forces through a range of professional and operational interactions, providing opportunities to enhance mutual understanding and address shared maritime challenges.
The port call also reflects the growing maritime engagement between India and the Philippines. Following recent bilateral engagements and the establishment of the India–Philippines Strategic Partnership in August 2025, the deployment is expected to further strengthen professional linkages and maritime cooperation between the two countries.
