MANILA, Nov. 28 -- Naval and air units from the Philippines and India conducted their second bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Nov. 26, highlighting the growing security partnership between the two nations.

In a statement Thursday night, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the MCA was conducted in one of the most strategically important maritime zones in the region.

"The activity aimed to deepen defense cooperation, enhance interoperability, and promote adherence to international law and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific," it added.

For the activity, the AFP said it deployed a formidable lineup of naval and air assets, including the guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (...