Context

• The President of the Philippines is on a State Visit to India for the first time since assuming office in 2022.

About the Visit

• At a joint press briefing along with Marcos who is in India on a five-day visit, Modi said, "India and the Philippines are friends by choice and partners by destiny. From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, we are united by shared values. 
• Ours is not just a friendship of the past, it is a promise to the future." He said the Philippines is an important partner in India's Act East Policу.
• India and the Philippines have decided to boost their defence and maritime links, begin direct flights and start negotiating a new trade deal as they upgrade their ties to the level of a strategic partnership.
• India becomes only the fifth strategic partner for the Philippines. This new apex attests as much to the remarkably rapid growth, broadening and deepening of our 75-year-old bilateral relationship,
• India also invited the Philippines to participate in its Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region.

Other Developments

• Condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, The President Said, "I carry the message of our solidarity with India both over the tragic attack in Pahalgam earlier this year and in the broader fight against terrorism." 
• The two countries have also agreed to establish mechanisms for service-to-service talks for information sharing and training exchanges among the militaries.

About India - Philippines Relations

• Historical Background: Established diplomatic relations in 1949.
• Rooted in shared colonial history, democratic values, and mutual interests across defence, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
• 75th Anniversary of diplomatic ties celebrated in 2024–25.
• Look East and Act East Policy: When India launched the Look East Policy and intensified partnership with ASEAN in 1992, this also resulted in stronger relations with countries in the region including the Philippines.
• With the Act East Policy initiated in 2014, the relationship with the Philippines has diversified further into political-security; trade and industry and people-to-people realms. 
• Defence and Security Cooperation: Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed in 2006.
• BrahMos Supersonic Missile Deal: $375 million contract signed in 2022, India delivered the first batch of BrahMos missile system in 2024, making Philippines the first foreign nation to acquire the missile weapon system.
• Maritime Security: Joint patrols, capacity building, and hydrographic cooperation.
• Regular dialogues: Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) and Service-to-Service Staff Talks.
• Bilateral Trade: Bilateral trade between the two countries had grown steadily to reach US$ 3.5 billion in 2023-24. 
• To facilitate bilateral trade, both countries signed an Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Custom Matters ratified in 2023. 
• Negotiations on the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) were revived in 2023.
• Indian Diaspora: It is estimated to be more than 70,000 in the Philippines.
• There has been a growing number of Indian professionals, estimated around 800, who are working in Indian and multinational corporations in the Philippines.
• Multilateral and Regional Cooperation Both countries are members of: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), India-ASEAN Dialogue Mechanism and BIMSTEC (Observer status by Philippines).

Other Facets of Relations

• Joint Military Exercises- Regular navy drills (e.g.,Sama Lahi-Lahi), coast guard exercises, and increased port visits. Discussions on expanding to army/air force collaborations.
• China Factor-Both nations face Chinese territorial pressure (South China Sea/Ladakh), driving alignment on upholding UNCLOS and a"free, open Indo-Pacific."
• ASEAN Centrality- Both support ASEAN-led regional architecture. India's "Act East Policy" aligns with Philippines' "AmBisyon 2040." 
• Digital Partnership- Collaboration on fintech, digital payments (UPIPHLink), and IT skilling. The Philippines is a key market for Indian IT giants (TCS, Infosys).

Challenges in Relations

• Limited Economic Engagement: Despite growth, bilateral trade remains modest considering the size of both economies.
• Progress on the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) is slow, with negotiations still in early stages.
• Maritime Security Gaps: Although MoUs exist, real-time maritime collaboration and joint patrols are limited.
• South China Sea tensions constrain deeper military cooperation, especially due to Philippines sensitivity to external involvement.
• Regional Geopolitics and China Factor: The Philippines’ complex ties with China and its dependency on US defence support limit its willingness to openly align with India in strategic domains.

Way Forward

• Enhance Connectivity & Soft Power : Launch direct flights (e.g., Manila-Mumbai/Delhi) and prioritize shipping routes (e.g., Visakhapatnam-Subic Bay).
• Align positions on UNSC reform (Philippines supports India's bid) and climate financing.
• Fast-track additional Brahmos missile batteries and explore Akash SAM systems, torpedoes, and naval vessels.Establish joint R&D in maritime tech (e.g., drones, sonar systems).
• Formalize Philippines as a "Quad Plus" partner for IndoPacific maritime security.
• Conduct trilateral drills (e.g., India-Philippines-US/ Japan) focusing on SCS patrols and disaster response.