Manila, July 11 -- Four Indian Navy ships are scheduled to make a goodwill visit to the Philippines this month as New Delhi seeks to bolster its defense and maritime cooperation with Manila, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain announced on Friday.

Speaking at the Stratbase ADRI forum in Makati City, Jain said the Indian Navy would engage with Filipino counterparts in "bilateral cooperation activities" and reinforce its bonds with the Philippine Navy.

The visit reflects the two nations' shared commitment to maritime cooperation, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based order at sea, he said.

"India and the Philippines have a congruence of interest on various defense-related issues and maritime security," he said....