India and Philippines Elevate Diplomatic Relations to Strategic Partnership

During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the strong ties between India and the Philippines, describing them as “friends by choice and partners by destiny.” He emphasized the shared values that unite the two countries and highlighted that their friendship is a promise for the future. Reflecting on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, PM Modi pointed out the ancient cultural connections, such as the Philippines’ Maharadia Lawana, which is the Philippines’ version of the Ramayana. India and the Philippines have committed to strengthening their mutual ties. PM Modi acknowledged the Philippines as a key partner in India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision, supporting peace, security, and a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific Region. He expressed India’s support for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship next year. Following discussions with Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., PM Modi announced the elevation of their relationship to a strategic partnership and the formation of an extensive action plan to implement it. The plan aims to boost bilateral trade, which has exceeded USD 3 billion, and prioritize completing the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement review and a Bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement. Cooperation is planned across agriculture, technology, and defense. The International Rice Research Institute’s regional center in Varanasi is working on ultra-low glycemic index rice. Development partnerships will also be enhanced with increased Quick Impact Projects in the Philippines, and collaboration on sovereign data cloud infrastructure is set to begin. Space cooperation is expanding, marked by an agreement during President Marcos Jr.’s visit. Defense ties are also strengthening, with an emphasis on maritime cooperation, as demonstrated by the Indian Navy’s participation in a naval exercise in the Philippines, including a hydrography ship. Earlier, President Marcos Jr. was welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi with a Guard of Honour. President Marcos Jr. mentioned that the Indo-Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific, reasserting the alliance between India and the Philippines. His visit marks a significant moment as it aligns with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.