The Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to India was not only historic in terms of bilateral relations, but it is also very important in the backdrop of changing strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific region. During this visit, India and the Philippines decided to take their relations to the level of Strategic Partnership, which makes it clear that the two countries are no longer limited to traditional friendship, but are leading towards solid strategic cooperation to protect shared interests.
Let us tell you that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described bilateral defense cooperation as ‘symbol of deep mutual trust’. Terms of Reference have been adopted to negotiate between India and the Philippines, Staff-to-Staff between Vayu and Navy. This gives an institutional form to defense dialogue. Along with this, there has been an agreement on maritime cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and Philippine Coast Guard.
Also read this: 9 important agreements between India Failipies, defense, science, technology and legal aid include
It is particularly notable that three Navy warships of India are participating in practice in the Philippines and Indian hydrographic vessels are also part of the exercise. Additionally, India’s proposal to connect the Philippines with Information Fusion Center, Indian Ocean Region will further strengthen the partnership in regional maritime security.
Let us tell you that India and the Philippines have signed the Statement of Intent for cooperation in the space sector, which will pave the way for cooperation between ISRO and Philippine Space Agency. This agreement will share the technical capabilities of both countries and promote the use of space for peaceful purposes. Additionally, India will assist in the establishment of Philippines Sovereign Data Cloud Infrastructure to strengthen digital technology, data security and cyber structure. In the field of science and technology, cooperation will be accelerated from Joint Research to AI and Adative Manufacturing.
Let us tell you that India-Failipines bilateral trade has crossed the $ 3 billion mark. Both sides have decided to prioritize the review of the India-Arcean Free Trade Agreement and start a conversation towards a preferentiial Trade Agreement (PTA). This initiative is particularly important because the Philippines is not only the Country Coordinator of India in ASEAN but will also preside ASEAN in 2026. Through this role, India can further strengthen its Act East Policy.
Let us tell you that there is ancient cultural ties between India and the Philippines, which is an example of “Maharadia Lavana” of the Philippines (a poetic presentation of the Ramayana). A cultural exchange program has been signed to further strengthen this relationship. In addition, India has provided free e-tourist visa for one year to the Philippine citizens to promote tourism, while the Philippines has given a visa-free entry to the Indian tourists. Also, the plan to start direct flights between Delhi-Manila will also strengthen tourism and people’s involvement.
Let us also tell you that the visit of President Marcos took place on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India-Failipines diplomatic relations. Memorial postage stamps were issued, marking this historical moment, showing national flowers of both countries. Along with this, India and the Philippines have emphasized joint struggle against terrorism. Agreements on the transfer of Mutual Legal Assistant and punished persons institutionalize bilateral safety cooperation.
If seen, the relations between India and the Philippines have now turned above normal friendship to a strategic partnership. This partnership is not only important in the Indo-Pacific sector from the point of view of power balance, but will also help in making India’s global role more effective. Like Prime Minister Modi said – “India and the Philippines are friends by choice, and partners by destiny.” This is not just the friendship of the past, but the future promise. Bite.
If seen, the historical decision to upgrade bilateral relations to the level of Strategic Partnership by the two countries is not limited to reinforcing bilateral cooperation only, but it also indicates a new strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region. Especially in the background when China’s aggressive activities have increased the security concerns of many small and medium countries in the region.
Let us tell you that there is an important stage of defense cooperation between India and the Philippines BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system to the Philippines. This is India’s first major defense export, which is a sign of India’s growing credibility in technical sophistication, strategic reliability and global defense market. Now that the relationship between the two countries has got the status of strategic partnership, it is natural that cooperation in areas such as maritime security, intelligence sharing, joint military exercises and capacity building will deepen.
In view of China’s increasing aggression in the South China Sea, especially, the partnership of India-Filippines is also a strategic message for China that regional powers are now coordinating their collective safety capabilities. This will also help in maintaining strategic balance in the ASEAN region and other countries will also get encouragement towards cooperation with India.
Let us tell you that the sale of BrahMos missile has given India a new identity as a defense exporting nation. The partnership will provide opportunities for India’s defense industry to enter emerging markets like South-East Asia, Africa and Latin America. Successful delivery and training experience with the Philippines can also inspire other countries. Also, “Make in India” and “self -sufficient India” campaigns will get concrete global support. This partnership in the defense sector can also prove to be beneficial for public and private Indian defense companies in R&D, transfer of technology and joint production areas.
However, the India-Filippines Strategic Partnership is not just a bilateral achievement, but it is part of the process of emerging as an active, responsible and reliable power of India in the Indo-Pacific region. This will not only strengthen the regional security balance, but is also an important step towards setting up India as a reliable partner in the global defense market.