Philippines and India reinforce historical ties amid escalating China frictions
President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr of the Philippines is currently on a visit to India, marking a significant milestone in the 75-year history of India-Philippines diplomatic relations. The visit is a testament to the growing importance of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
India-Philippines relations have recently been elevated to a Strategic Partnership as of August 2025, reflecting a significant deepening of ties with a strong focus on political, defense, maritime security, and economic cooperation.
Maritime Security and Defense Cooperation
The strategic partnership underscores mutual commitment to peace, stability, and security in the broader Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing a free, open, transparent, and rules-based maritime order consistent with ASEAN centrality. Specific agreements have been signed to enhance maritime cooperation, notably a Terms of Reference for Enhanced Maritime Cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard, showing concrete steps toward operational collaboration.
Defense relations have been highlighted as a symbol of deep mutual trust, with regular high-level engagements among defense and national security officials, including meetings between India’s External Affairs Minister, Philippines' Secretary of National Defense, and National Security Adviser.
Economic Resilience and Cooperation
Bilateral trade between India and the Philippines has been steadily growing, with trade values reported at around US$2.32 billion in 2018–2019 and a focus on boosting business and commercial linkages as a key pillar of the strategic partnership. India’s exports to the Philippines include textiles, garments, information technology, steel, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, indicating a diversified economic engagement.
The partnership plan (2025-2029) aims to further strengthen trade, tourism, science and technology, digital technologies, and cooperation in outer space, broadening economic resilience and sectoral ties.
Future Prospects
The new Plan of Action (2025-2029) pledges intensified dialogue through various bilateral institutional mechanisms—including Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation and multiple Joint Working Groups—targeting sustained growth in political, defense, and economic relations. Both countries envision leveraging their strategic geographic positions to contribute jointly to a resilient Indo-Pacific, combining their efforts on maritime security, technological cooperation, and economic growth to face emerging security challenges and global economic dynamics.
The focus of the discussions between Marcos and Modi is expected to continue on maritime security, defence cooperation, and economic resilience. The visit continues, with further meetings and events scheduled for the remainder of the trip.
The relationship between India and the Philippines is shaped by shared democratic values and overlapping interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The trip reflects a growing convergence between Manila and New Delhi on maritime security, defence cooperation, and economic resilience, which is a response to shared challenges and threats in the region.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with President Marcos Jnr on Tuesday. The discussions covered mutual cooperation, regional issues, and international situations in detail. The convergence between India and the Philippines on maritime security, defence cooperation, and economic resilience is a response to shared challenges and threats in the region.
The visit of President Marcos Jnr to India is also a testament to the growing importance of the bilateral relationship between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region. President Marcos Jnr and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos were formally welcomed at the presidential residence in Delhi, Rashtrapati Bhavan.
It's important to note that no specific agreements or joint statements were announced following the meetings between Marcos and Modi. Additionally, the relationship between India and the Philippines is characterized by parallel tensions with China. The discussions between Marcos and Modi covered these issues in detail, but further updates on any agreements or joint statements have not been released at this time. The focus remains on strengthening the existing ties and moving forward with the strategic partnership.
- The maritime security and defense cooperation between India and the Philippines is a significant aspect of their strategic partnership, with focused agreements like the Terms of Reference for Enhanced Maritime Cooperation being signed for operational collaboration.
- The economic resilience and cooperation between India and the Philippines are pivotal aspects of their strategic partnership, as indicated by the diversified trade values and the aim to further strengthen trade and economic ties in the upcoming Plan of Action (2025-2029).
