India, Philippines Forge Deeper Ties

(MENAFN) India and the Philippines officially upgraded their diplomatic relationship to a “strategic partnership” on Tuesday, deepening maritime ties as part of a broader push to enhance regional cooperation.

The move was announced during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to New Delhi, where he held high-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Both leaders oversaw the unveiling of a joint plan of action for 2025–2029 to implement the newly established strategic partnership, according to Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who shared the update on X.

Jaiswal noted that the discussions spanned multiple sectors, and the two countries signed several key agreements in fields such as space exploration, tourism, cultural exchange, science and technology, and digital innovation.

In public remarks, Modi emphasized the growing defense cooperation between the two nations. “Strengthening defense relations is a symbol of deep mutual trust, and as maritime nations, maritime cooperation between the two countries is both natural and essential,” he said.

This comes after India, in April, delivered a second shipment of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines—marking a significant milestone in defense exports.

Reaffirming India’s regional stance, Modi stated the country is “committed to peace, security, prosperity, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region” and “supports freedom of navigation in accordance with international laws.”

Both sides also agreed to pursue a bilateral preferential trade agreement to further boost economic engagement.

President Marcos’ visit coincided with a historic first: India’s participation in a joint maritime drill with the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea over the weekend—a region rife with competing territorial claims.

The India-Philippines exercise prompted an immediate response from Beijing, which launched its own military drills in the same waters.

Commenting on the joint maneuvers, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Tuesday: “Disputes over territory and maritime rights and interests should be settled through negotiation and consultation by countries directly concerned, and no third party is in any position to interfere in that.”

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