Two Indian Navy ships here for four-day goodwill visit

October 24, 2019

Two Indian Navy ships arrived on Wednesday for a four-day goodwill visit to the Philippines.

Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, Philippine Navy public affairs officer, said the Indian Navy Ship Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class guided missile frigate, along with Kamorta-class antisubmarine warfare corvette Kiltan arrived at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila around 9 amy.

“A welcome ceremony at the pier was accorded by Philippine Navy (PN) delegates headed by Sealift Amphibious Force Commander Capt. Ernesto Baldovino followed by a port briefing about security and health aboard F-49,” she said.

Roxas said the visiting contingent from Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command is composed of around 350 navy personnel headed by the commanding officer of Sahvadri Capt. Ashwin Arvind.

“In his statement, Captain Arvind described the relationship of India and its navy with the Philippines as “very important” which is “evident from the high-level exchange of visit” citing the recent state visit of their president.,” she said.

“He further specified the importance of maintaining “beyond just professional” friendship with the PN as strategic since “the importance of Indo-Pacific region is intricately linked with the Philippines”,” she added quoting Arvind.

Roxas said Captain Arvind with leading officers of the IN contingent will render a courtesy call to the acting Navy Chief, Rear Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo at the PN headquarters.

Confidence-building engagements between PN and IN personnel will also be conducted such as goodwill games and reciprocal receptions, said Garcia.

Philippine Navy personnel will also be given a chance to tour and familiarize with Indian vessels to enhance their knowledge in concept of Indian naval operations and equipment especially since these ships represent the ‘coming-of-age’ of India’s warship building capabilities, said Garcia.

Roxas said the visit of Indian Navy in the Philippines is part of their “overseas deployment to Southeast Asia and Western Pacific.”

She said before heading to Manila, the two Indian vessels aided Japan after being battered by Typhoon Hagibis. Robina Asido/DMS