New Delhi, December 13. India and the Philippines exchanged perspectives on prevailing maritime challenges and discussed ways to enhance maritime cooperation during the inaugural Maritime Dialogue between the two sides held in Manila on Friday.
While the Indian delegation was led by Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security Affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs, the Filipino side was led by Marshall Louis Alferez, Assistant Secretary (Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office) in the Department of Foreign Affairs. The event coincided with 75 years of diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
“During the dialogue, the two sides exchanged perspectives on prevailing maritime challenges and discussed ways to enhance maritime cooperation in furthering a conducive environment for mutual growth and global well-being,” the Ministry of External Affairs state in a press release. “They laid emphasis on adherence to a rules-based order, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and explored cooperation initiatives in the maritime domain to uphold the same.”
The Ministry further stated that while endeavouring to increase bilateral engagement, the two sides also deliberated on avenues to collaborate at various international and regional fora for shared objectives.
“They agreed to share best practices and partner in maritime capacity building initiatives in areas such as maritime industry, marine scientific research, ocean economy, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), Navy and Coast Guard cooperation and maritime law enforcement,” the press release stated.
India and the Philippines, both located in geopolitically pivotal regions, face shared security challenges and uphold a mutual commitment to ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. This strategic region spans from Japan’s eastern coastline to Africa’s eastern shores.
The Philippines lie at the core of the Indo-Pacific, a region increasingly under strain due to China’s expanding military footprint and assertive territorial claims, particularly in the South China Sea. India’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific closely align with the Philippines’ concerns about safeguarding freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as upholding international norms like the UNCLOS.
Both nations are working to counterbalance China’s hegemony in the region. By enhancing defence cooperation, India is positioning itself as a dependable security partner for Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, to mitigate China’s growing influence.
