Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good evening and namaste to one and all. On behalf of the Indian Navy, the Eastern Naval Command, and the Eastern Fleet, it is indeed my privilege and pleasure to extend a very warm welcome to all of you to the deck of this fine ship. 

Ladies and gentlemen, as you're all aware, Indian naval ships Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan arrived here yesterday, and since then, we've had an enriching and productive interaction with our counterparts from the Philippine Armed Forces. 

Being on the deck of a ship from India this evening must also come with the realization that two nations, thousands of miles apart, can become neighbors only in the maritime domain. Such is the uniting power of the oceans. 

Today, we are gathered to celebrate the enduring relationship between India and the Philippines. Last year marked a significant milestone as we celebrated 75 years of friendship and cooperation. The essence of the India-Philippines evolving relationship spans economic collaboration, people-to-people connections, and a strong commitment to maritime cooperation. The bonds of friendship and trust have been built over the past many decades, and they serve as a strong foundation for our Navy-to-Navy interaction. It is essential that we continue to nurture this relationship, ensuring that it evolves to meet the emerging challenges of the maritime domain. 

Our Navy-to-Navy cooperation encompasses a wide spectrum of actions that support capacity building and capability enhancement, which provide the foundations upon which the larger relationships between the two nations can grow. The peoples of both nations share a value system that prioritizes dialogue, respect, and collective prosperity. Your gracious presence here this evening, ladies and gentlemen, is evidence of your unwavering commitment to this shared vision. 

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. I wish you all a pleasant evening