Blitz Bureau
MARKING a significant step toward deepening bilateral cooperation, India and the Philippines on August 5 announced the establishment of a strategic partnership during a State visit by the Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. to India. The announcement was made following bilateral talks between President Marcos and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who outlined a comprehensive Plan of Action (2025- 2029) to guide the partnership.
India and the Philippines exchanged nine MoUs in the presence of PM Modi and President Marcos Jr. The MoUs include Strategic Partnership, Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matter, Defence, Science and Technology among others.
Addressing the media, the Prime Minister Modi said that the visit of the Philippines President holds special significance as India and the Philippines are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. He said that the connections between the two countries date back to ancient times. He also expressed gratitude to the Philippines Government and the President for strongly condemning Pahalgam attack and standing with India in its fight against terrorism. President Marcos Jr. thanked the Indian Government for the hospitality. He said that both India and Philippines have agreed to level up collaborations in defence and security. He also expressed satisfaction over the rapid pace of the ongoing Philippines Defence Modernisation partnered by India’s indigenous defence industry.
President Marcos Jr. thanked PM Modi for India’s role in rescuing Filipino nationals following a Houthi rebel attack in 2024. Acknowledging India’s role as a first responder in maritime crises, he added,“We recognise India’s influence and first responder role in this critical area and wish to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Both our nations have high stakes in the region’s future.” In a bid to boost tourism and people-to-people exchanges, President Marcos announced visa-free entry for Indian tourists, while Prime Minister Modi reciprocated with a similar initiative for Filipino visitors.
The strategic partnership seeks to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in both nations and the Indo-Pacific region, with a strong commitment to ASEAN Centrality. Both countries expressed support for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, adhering to international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and underscored the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea as a basis for peacefully resolving disputes. President Marcos Jr. also met President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
