INS Sahyadri in Manila to cement defence ties

Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri, currently on operational deployment to South China Sea and northwest Pacific region in pursuance of the country's 'Act East' policy, reached Manila on Sunday, an official said.

The visit of INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built warship of the Shivalik class, is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing inter-operability between navies of India and the Philippines, the official said in a statement.

The warship is the multi-role stealth frigate, boasts of an impressive array of weaponry in her arsenal. The capability to carry two integral multi-role helicopters significantly enhances the potency of the ship.

The ship is likely to be at Manila till November 4 for extensive interactions with the Philippines Navy, it said.

Bilateral relations between India and the Philippines, based on shared values of anti-colonialism, strong democratic polity and South-South cooperation have been growing significantly in the recent past.