Indian Navy Ships Sahyadri and Kulish Arrive at Subic Bay, Philippines, for ADMM-Plus JCA

As part of the operational deployment of the Indian Navy, the ships Sahyadri and Kulish arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, on September 20, 2026. These vessels will participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA) being held there.

The primary objective of the ADMM-Plus JCA is to bring together the maritime forces of ASEAN member states and the eight Plus countries. Through participation in professional and operational activities, the initiative aims to enhance interoperability, develop mutual understanding, and strengthen cooperation within the maritime domain.

The participation of the Indian Navy in this activity aligns with the Government of India's 'Act East Policy' and the 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. This reflects India's commitment to constructive engagement with regional partners and multilateral maritime cooperation.

This deployment provides the Indian Navy with an opportunity to engage with partner maritime forces through professional and operational activities, which will help develop a better understanding of shared maritime challenges.

The arrival of the ships at Subic Bay serves as evidence of the growing maritime relations between India and the Philippines. Based on the India-Philippines strategic partnership established in August 2025 and recent bilateral cooperation, this deployment provides an opportunity to further strengthen professional ties between the two nations.