After Australia, now Philippines Extends Support to India amid Indo-China stand-off

After the violent clash between India and China in eastern Ladakh’s Galwan Valley, tension has risen between India and China over the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

At least 20 Indian soldiers, including a colonel, were martyred in the “violent face-off” with Chinese troops. Following the clash, Asia’s two giants are engaged in increasing the deployment of troops along the LAC border. Meanwhile, 

Philippines has now come out in India’s support after Australia supported India 

over the issue with China in Galwan Valley. Following the Coronavirus pandemic, anti-China sentiment stirred up around the world, especially in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Now, the Philippines is sending out fresh hints for an alliance towards New Delhi. This comes in the wake of the military stand-off between India and China in Galwan valley.

In recent years Delhi has strengthened ties with traditional partners like Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore. Now, India may add the Philippines to the list. Recently, Indian Navy rescued a Phillippines Navy Ship after it caught wire in its engine room and even repaired the ship for free of cost in the shipyard of Kochi.

Following this, the Phillippines Navy Chief Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo J.Bacordo thanked the Indian Navy for selfless help. In the incident, India rescued two Filipino Navy officers and treated them at the INHS Sanjivani. The officers had injured with second-degree burns. One of them has been taken to a Hospital in Bengaluru for treatment.

The Phillippines Navy Chief wrote a letter to the Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and wrote,

“Your support in this unfortunate accident is way beyond our expectations and it is a testament of your sincerity in deepening our Navy to Navy partnership. Rest assured that the Philippine Navy remains committed to this partnership. We hope to expand this relationship as we seek better ways to make our seas safer and more secure for everyone..fervent wishes for your continuing success in leading the Indian Navy’s sustained resolve to be a global maritime force.”

China has been aggressively increasing its military activity in the South China Sea which is a threat to countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Every now and then, China tries to invade the territorial waters of other countries in the South China Sea.

After the violent clash between India and China, the Philippines wants to grow defence partnership with the Indian Navy. India firmly stands up to counter China’s reckless behaviour. India will probably accept the proposal of enhancing defence relations with the Philippines.

Writer, historian, and activist Dharam Sikarwar is a very active author The Youth. He writes on national and international issues, environment, politics. He is an avid book reader as well.