2 Indian warships to visit Philippines

Indian Navy stealth multi-role frigate INS Sahyadri (F49) during Rim of the Pacific 2018. US NAVY

MANILA, Philippines — Two Indian warships will drop anchor in Manila on Wednesday for a goodwill visit.

INS Sayhadri (F-49), a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate; and INS Kiltan (P-30), a Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette will dock at Pier 15, said Lt. Cmdr. Maria Christina Roxas, acting director of naval public affairs office.

The warships will be in the Philippines from Oct. 23 to 26. It is expected to conduct various confidence-building measures with its Philippine Navy counterparts.

The visit of India’s navy ships comes after a five-day visit of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind to the Philippines.

Kovind and President Rodrigo Duterte agreed to boost their cooperation in terms of maritime security and defense modernization. /je