India and the Philippines elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing the two nations as “friends by choice and partners by destiny.” The announcement followed productive talks between PM Modi and visiting Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., a day after the navies of both countries conducted joint exercises off the Philippine coast, marking a historic first.
“From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, we are united by shared values. Our friendship is not just of the past; it is a promise to the future,” Modi said, standing alongside Marcos Jr. The leaders signed nine pacts, including agreements on the strategic partnership, military-to-military dialogues, and cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space. These agreements aim to deepen defense, trade, and technological collaboration.
Modi emphasized the Philippines’ role in India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision, which focuses on mutual security and growth across regions. “We are committed to peace, security, prosperity, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, supporting freedom of navigation under international laws,” he stated. The joint naval exercise, involving three Indian Navy ships, underscores the growing maritime cooperation, vital for both nations as maritime powers.
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The strategic partnership includes a comprehensive action plan to enhance military interactions, with terms of reference established for talks among the armies, air forces, and navies. Modi highlighted ongoing collaboration in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and search-and-rescue operations. India will also expand Quick Impact Projects in the Philippines and support the development of sovereign data cloud infrastructure, aligning with the Digital India initiative.
Celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, the leaders released a commemorative postage stamp. Modi thanked the Philippines for condemning the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, and for supporting India’s fight against terrorism. “Enhanced defense relations symbolize our deep mutual trust,” he noted.
Bilateral trade, surpassing $3 billion, is set to grow further with plans to review the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and pursue a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement. Indian companies are thriving in the Philippines across sectors like IT, health, automobiles, infrastructure, and minerals. Joint research in virology, artificial intelligence, and additive manufacturing is also underway, with a science and technology cooperation plan to drive innovation.
Marcos Jr.’s visit, part of a multi-nation tour, follows his 2023 trip to India, where both nations committed to strengthening ties. The strategic partnership aligns with India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, countering regional challenges, including China’s assertiveness. Data from the Ministry of External Affairs shows bilateral trade grew from $2.5 billion in 2023 to $3.2 billion in 2024, with India exporting pharmaceuticals and engineering goods while importing electronics from the Philippines.
This milestone reinforces India’s commitment to a free, open Indo-Pacific, with the Philippines as a key partner in fostering regional stability and economic growth.
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