By P K Chakravorty
Introduction
India and Philippines had warm relations for a number of years. However, their geopolitical standing differed. While India believed in strategic autonomy, Philippines was an ally of the United States. As relations evolved India became a member of Quad and in 2014 advocated Freedom of Navigation in South China Sea . Further, India and Philippines were contesting Chines maritime assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific which led to political and diplomatic convergence between the two countries. Further India’s Act East Policy has paid rich dividends in making both the nations realise their commonality of strategic interests. In 2022, India signed a $ 375 million deal with Philippines which further led to strengthening of relations. All this led to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr to visit India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 04 to 08 August 2025.
Strategic Partnership
The historic visit of President Marcos Jr, resulted in the establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Issues linked to this major declaration which merits importance are as enumerated below:-
- Occasion coincides with the seventy-Fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Philippines. It also acknowledges the long-standing friendship based on mutual respect, trust, civilisational contacts, shared values and culture.
- Upholding the deep cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1949.
- Strengthening the bonds of friendship which commenced with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 11 July 1952, the Memorandum of Understanding on Policy Consultation talks signed on 5 October 2007 and the Declaration on the Framework of Bilateral Cooperation signed on 5 October 2007 between two countries. In addition, there was a natural desire to strengthen the historical ties to a higher level of strategic cooperation.
- Both countries are seeking to impart a qualitative dimension to actively develop cooperation in political, defence and security. This would include the maritime domain , science and technology, climate change, space cooperation, trade and investment, collaboration in industry, connectivity, health, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, digital landscape, emerging technologies, culture, creative industries, tourism, people to people exchanges and other fields in future.
- Reaffirming their shared interest in a free, open, transparent, rules based, inclusive, prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific region while reiterating their strong support for ASEAN centrality.
The Strategic Partnership opens a new Chapter between the bilateral relations between both countries. It is based on a mutual commitment to further strengthen relations for the continuing peace, stability and prosperity and the broader region. It also serves as a foundation for the two countries to chart a future oriented mutually beneficial cooperation. The partnership is guided by the Plan of Action for the years 2025-2029 and has been adopted on 5 August 2025. It is pertinent to note that both countries agreed to cooperation in various fields as elucidated .
Political Cooperation
The major aspects agreed to are as enumerated:-
- Engagement through regular high-level exchanges and dialogue on bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest. This would be done through the formation of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, policy consultation talks and strategic dialogue. In addition, enhancing greater cooperation through effective operationalisation of existing agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and speedily finalise those under negotiation.
- Encouraging dialogue through regular through bilateral and institutional mechanisms including the Joint Working Groups on Trade and Investment, Counter Terrorism, Health & Medicine as also Agriculture and Financial Technology. Further increase interaction between the legislatures of both countries and focus on young leaders of both countries to strengthen mutual understanding.
Defence, Security and Maritime Cooperation
This is an extremely important aspect of the Strategic Partnership. It is essential that the two countries acknowledge the progress made under the Agreement on Defence Cooperation signed between the two countries on 4 February 2006. This Agreement established a Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) which was initially at the Joint Secretary level. The cooperation was fruitful and resulted in acquisition of Supersonic Cruise Missile BrahMos in 2022.
Apart from the JDCC and Joint Defence Industry and Logistics Committee (JDILC), mechanisms are needed to facilitate methodical dialogue on defence cooperation with emphasis on defence industrial collaboration, technology, research, training, exchanges and capacity building. The focus would be defence products as also Institutionalising military training with service-to-serviceinteraction and tri-service cooperation.
Both countries must recognise the vital role of the seas and oceans in achieving development needs. Maritime cooperation to be given its due importance. Freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region must be given importance. Instituionalise engagements on maritime issues with significance accorded to the Annual India-Philippines Maritime Dialogue which was first held on 11-13 December 2024 in Manila; the next would be in India. There is a need to exchange views on global and regional maritime challenges, sharing best practices on deepening maritime cooperation and promoting coordination between the concerned authorities of both countries. Further enhancing cooperation in the area of maritime security. This would include collaborative efforts for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), cooperation in ship building, maritime-connectivity, coastal surveillance, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), pollution control, Search and Rescue (SAR) between Navies and Coat Guards. Efforts must be made to expand cooperation in the field of hydrography and oceanographic research surveys to ensure safe and efficient navigation contributing to the overall maritime security in the region.
Agreed to cooperate in co-development and co-production of defence equipment to achieve the goal of self-reliance in defence production. Encourage investment and joint initiatives in the establishment of Defence R&D and supply chain eco system. Deepening cooperation in cyber domain, to include capacity building sharing best practices and exchange of digital public expenditure, financial technology, artificial intelligence, digital forensics and enhancement of digital skills.
There must be a concerted effort through regular meetings to combat terrorism, violent extremism, radicalization, transnational organised crimes, trafficking in narcotics, weapons, cyber-crimes, money laundering and sharing intelligence on counter terrorism. Both countries must adopt zero tolerance towards terrorism.
The Armed Forces of both countries must cooperate and collaborate to ensure that they can operate together in a multi domain environment.
Science & Technology Cooperation
As a Strategic Partner, cooperation in the field of Science and Technology is important. Enhancing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) cooperation through R&D, exchange of information through scientists and capacity building activities in mutually agreed areas between the Science and Technology Department of both countries would pay rich dividends. This includes fostering cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space and furthering cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In addition, strengthening cooperation in the field of Information & Communication technology as also Agriculture to include rice production and research would pave the way for growth in both countries.
Connectivity, Regional and International Cooperation
These are other aspects which need enhanced attention by both countries. There is a need to enhance connectivity between India and Philippines. This would include, physical, digital and financial linkages. The first step would be direct non-stop flights between the two countries. This is possibly scheduled in the coming months. Further, increase regional maritime connectivity through greater port to port connections. There is a need to have greater collaboration in e-governance, financial inclusion and Digital Public Infrastructure while ensuring Cyber Security.
As far as Regional, Multilateral and International cooperation is concerned there should be closer cooperation in the United Nations and its specialised agencies on global issues of mutual concern to include the rule of law with regard to global commons, counter terrorism, climate change and sustainable development. There is aneed to support actively the reform and expansion of the United Nations Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories. Climate change is impacting the entire globe. It should be addressed through best technologies and global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Bio Fuels Alliance and Mission Lifestyle for Environment. It may be pertinent for both countries to commend conservation efforts through the Big Cat Alliance. This is a fruitful initiative launched by India.
ASEAN and South China Sea
India and Philippines are deeply connected with ASEAN. Both countries should leave no stone unturned to enhance engagement and cooperation under the ASEAN framework including through regular summit level interactions, to jointly strengthen ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Philippines has always appreciated India’s continued commitment to ASEAN centrality and active participation and cooperation in ASEAN led mechanisms in the evolving regional architecture. There was a need to explore cooperation under the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on cooperation on the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) for peace, stability and prosperity in the region, through enhanced cooperation between AOIP and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
India and Philippines must reaffirm adherence to international Law under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They must ensure that the dispute settlement mechanisms are respected and the duty to protect the marine environment. Further both countries must agree to the freedom of navigation and over flight and the importance of unimpeded commerce based on the principles of international law. It is in this context that the dispute on South China Sea is important. There is a need for self-restraint by all claimants in the South China Sea and constructive means must be resorted to settle disputes. Both countries must give due credence to the 2016 Arbitral Award on the south China Sea which is a means of resolving disputes peacefully.
Way Forward
05 August 2025 is a historical day for India and Philippines. Both countries have agreed to a Plan of Action to be followed by both countries from 2025 to 2029. Implementation of the Action Plan will lead to strengthening of strategic relations between the countries and add to stability in the Indo Pacific region.
