India joins Naval exercises by US, Phillippines, Japan in South China Sea

WASHINGTON: Indian Navy on Thursday participated with the navies of the US, the Philippines and Japan in their first joint naval exercise in the disputed South China Sea, where China is flexing its muscle.

The vessels included Indian destroyer INS Kolkata and tanker INS Shakti, a guided missile destroyer from the US Pacific Fleet, Japanese aircraft carrier Izumo and the Philippines patrol vessel Andres Bonifacio, the US Navy said in a statement.

"Our team was really excited to take part in this multi-lateral event," Commander Andrew J Klug, commanding officer, USS William P Lawrence, said.

"Professional engagements with our allies, partners and friends in the region are opportunities to build upon our existing, strong relationships, as well as learn from each other," Klug said.

The ships conducted formation exercises, communication drills, passenger transfers and held a leadership exchange aboard JS Izumo.

The six vessels gathered "to train together and



promote maritime cooperation throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific," the Navy said in the statement.

"Our bond of friendship with our regional partners is as strong as our commitment to maintain peace and stability in the region," Captain Jerry Y Garrido Jr., commanding officer, BRP Andres Bonifacio, said.

Meanwhile, the Indian Navy tweeted about the drills and posted pictures of the warships that participated in the six-day group sail. "#IndianNavy ships Kolkata & Shakti carry out Group Sail with Naval ships of @JMSDF_PAO, Philippines & @USNavy in the South China Sea from 03 - 09 May 19. The six-day long Group Sail had participation of six combatants from the four participating countries," the Spokesperson of the Indian Navy tweeted.

"Besides Kolkata & Shakti, Helicopter Carrier JMSDF Izumo & Guided Missile Destroyer JMSDF Murasame of Japan; Frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio of Philippines and Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer USS Williams P Lawrence of USA participated," it tweeted.