New Delhi, August 5 (H.S.): Amid rising global concerns over U.S. tariffs, two major powers in the Indo-Pacific region, India and the Philippines — have elevated their bilateral relationship to the level of a strategic partnership. The two sides agreed on direct dialogue between armed forces, procurement and joint production of defense equipment, enhancement of economic and trade cooperation, and integration of payment systems.
During a bilateral summit held on Tuesday at Hyderabad House between visiting Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both leaders made several significant announcements. These included the formal declaration of the strategic partnership, adoption of the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership Action Plan (2025–2029), and signing of 11 other MoUs. These MoUs cover areas such as structured dialogues between the armed forces and coast guards of both nations, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, transfer of sentenced persons, collaboration in science and technology, space, digital technology, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The summit also included five key declarations: India’s support for a pilot project to develop sovereign data cloud infrastructure in the Philippines, the launch of a joint commemorative postage stamp marking 75 years of diplomatic ties, and an agreement to begin negotiations for a trade preference agreement. India also announced free tourist visas for Filipino citizens for the next year and invited the Philippines to join the Indian Ocean Information Fusion Centre. Furthermore, from October 1, Air India will start direct flights between Delhi and Manila, with discussions underway to expand air connectivity between other cities.
In his press statement, PM Modi said, “India and the Philippines are friends by choice and partners by destiny. From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, we are bound by shared values. Our friendship is not just about the past; it is a promise for the future.” He referenced the cultural connection through the Filipino version of the Ramayana, “Maharadia Lawana,” as evidence of ancient civilizational ties, and highlighted the commemorative postage stamp featuring both nations' national flowers as a symbol of enduring friendship.
Modi emphasized that the Philippines is a crucial partner in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. “We are committed to peace, security, prosperity, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific,” he said, reiterating India’s support for freedom of navigation per international law.
The Prime Minister noted that bilateral trade has surpassed $3 billion and stressed the importance of expediting the review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and moving towards a Preferential Trade Agreement. He mentioned that Indian companies are actively engaged across sectors such as digital tech, healthcare, architecture, automobiles, and warehousing. Modi added that joint research is ongoing in areas from virology to AI and additive manufacturing, and the newly signed science and technology cooperation plan will further accelerate this.
Highlighting agricultural collaboration, Modi mentioned that the International Rice Research Institute's regional center in Varanasi is working on ultra-low glycemic index rice. “We’re working together for taste and health,” he remarked. He also committed to expanding quick-impact development projects in the Philippines and helping build sovereign cloud infrastructure.
President Marcos praised India’s role in rescuing Filipino sailors from a Houthi rebel attack near Yemen in 2024. “Safe navigation is vital, especially for Filipino seafarers who crew nearly every vessel in these strategic waters,” he said. He thanked the Indian Navy and its brave personnel and expressed interest in deeper collaboration with India to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. He stressed that both countries play a significant role in shaping the region's future.
Providing details on the meeting outcomes, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs P. Kumaran said this is President Marcos's first official visit to India, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. Both leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, encompassing political, defense, security, maritime, economic, health, science, space, digital, consular, cultural, and people-to-people domains. An action plan for 2025–2029 was adopted to guide this enhanced cooperation.
A high-level delegation accompanied President Marcos, including the First Lady, 14 ministers, senior officials, and a large business group. Earlier in the day, Marcos was formally received at Rashtrapati Bhavan, paid tribute at Rajghat, and held both private and delegation-level talks with PM Modi. President Droupadi Murmu is hosting a banquet in his honor, and he also met with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
On defense cooperation, Kumaran said President Marcos thanked India for supporting the Philippines’ defense industry and exporting equipment such as BrahMos missiles. Discussions included capacity building, joint exercises, maritime cooperation, officer training exchanges, and exploring further defense exports. Collaboration between coast guards, disaster response readiness, and sharing best practices were also emphasized. India also showcased its cost-effective space capabilities, which Marcos expressed interest in using for weather forecasting, agriculture, and disaster management.
On trade, discussions focused on diversifying the product range and accelerating the India-Philippines trade agreement. Marcos welcomed India’s Gati Shakti connectivity program and suggested Indian participation in developing airports, ports, and infrastructure across the Philippines' islands.
When asked about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, Kumaran clarified, “There was no discussion regarding U.S. tariffs imposed on India or any other country.”
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
