The Indian Navy’s hydrographic survey vessel, INS Sandhayak (J18) on Friday made its inaugural port call in the Philippines on Friday, underscoring growing defense and maritime ties between India and the Philippines.
Commissioned in February 2024, INS Sandhayak is the first of a new class of indigenously designed and built hydrographic survey ships. It is among four Indian Navy ships currently docked at the Port of Manila, reflecting New Delhi’s expanding presence and engagement across the Indo-Pacific region.
“This is the first time this ship has come to this part of the world because the ship is a new one and it’s just got a longer endurance and excellent state-of-the-art survey,” said Captain Nattuva Dheeraj, commanding officer of the Sandhayak, in an interview with reporters.
The primary mission of the Indian survey ship is to map the ocean and gather marine data to aid civilian navigation, monitor the environment, and support economic development.
“We map the oceans, which is used for mariners across the globe, so there’s nothing defense in it. It is more of a hydrography-related job,” Dheeraj noted.
The vessel is also equipped to serve as a hospital ship during emergencies or wartime.
“This ship also is a hospital ship. So, in the conditions of war, we will get converted to a hospital ship and also, we have a limited coastal defense. We have small ammunition and weapon software. But we are more often a peace-time ship,” Dheeraj said further.
He also emphasized the collaborative intent behind the visit, noting that both India and the Philippines share vast maritime domains requiring detailed survey work.
“We are just trying to collaborate in ways we can help each other,” he said.
The Sandhayak’s arrival also marks the vessel’s farthest deployment to date.
“In the times to come, we can share more information, more training, and contribute to the economic growth of our respective countries.”
Joining the INS Sandhayak in Manila are the INS Delhi (D61), a guided-missile destroyer; INS Shakti (A57), a fleet tanker; and INS Kiltan (P30), an anti-submarine warfare corvette.
The three warships are scheduled to participate in a maritime cooperative activity with the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea next week.
Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, stated that the visit of Indian naval ships to the Philippines reflects the shared commitment of New Delhi and Manila to upholding freedom of navigation and supporting a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
“There is a long tradition of the Indian Naval Ships making port calls to the Philippines almost once every year. However, it is for the first time that a survey ship is visiting the Philippines,” he said.
Jain described these visits as “ambassadors of peace,” fostering bridges of friendship across the vast oceans connecting the two nations.
He also underscored the importance of such exchanges in enhancing mutual trust and understanding between the defense forces, addressing shared maritime challenges, and improving interoperability through joint cooperation and professional exchanges.
The Indian Ambassador highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between India and the Philippines, rooted in democratic values and mutual respect for each nation’s sovereignty and development goals.
He emphasized that the timing of the visit is particularly meaningful, as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and reflects their shared intention to further strengthen multifaceted cooperation.
In a defense ties meeting, the Philippine and Indian Navy reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense ties.
Discussions focused on enhancing naval cooperation through training exchanges, goodwill activities, and operational collaboration.
Both sides emphasized the value of ongoing personnel exchanges and shared experiences.
