India, France hold drills with PH in bid to hike Indo-Pacific influence

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s military has conducted maritime cooperative activities (MCA) with India and France this week as both nations, which are widely-considered as regional powers, sought to bolster its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

India’s guided-missile frigate INS Sahyadri joined the MCA in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

INS Sahyadri, which was also equipped with an onboard helicopter, joined AFP’s lineup of naval and air assets, including the BRP Jose Rizal, a number of FA-50 fighter jets, and a W-3A Sokol search and rescue helicopter.

“The successful conduct of the 2nd MCA reflects the growing synergy between the AFP and the Indian Navy as both countries continue to expand defense cooperation,” the AFP said in a statement.

On Thursday, the Philippine Navy conducted its MCA with the French Navy from south of Balut Island, Sarangani to the waters off Davao Oriental.

Navy’s BRP Artemio Ricarte and its aircraft with tail number NV392 conducted a series of drills with a “French frigate.”

Both navies conducted combined visit, board, search and seizure exercise, maneuvering exercise, ship control approach exercise and flashing exercise. 

“These activities provided an opportunity to test and enhance tactical proficiency, improve communication procedures, and deepen the interoperability of the participating forces,” the Navy said in a statement.

India and France have regularly conducted maritime drills with the country as both nations seek to bolster their influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

India’s Act East Policy seeks to bolster its standing as a regional power by cultivating extensive economic and strategic relations with Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines.

France, which maintains island territories in the Pacific Ocean, was the first European nation to announce an Indo-Pacific strategy launched in 2018.

Manila has acquired its medium-range supersonic cruise missile from India while France has offered to manufacture the country’s first-ever submarine. /apl

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