"India and Philippines Upgrade Ties to Strategic Partnership: New Trade Talks, Defence Boost, and Direct Flights Announced"

 

India and Philippines Forge Stronger Ties with Strategic Partnership, Direct Flights, and Defence Boost

In a major diplomatic milestone, India and the Philippines have officially elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, signaling a new era of deeper cooperation across defence, trade, and connectivity. This significant announcement came during the visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to New Delhi, where he was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A New Chapter in India-Philippines Relations

Standing alongside the visiting President, PM Modi emphasized the shared commitment of both nations to peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. "The Philippines is a key partner in our Act East Policy, and I am pleased to announce that we are upgrading our ties to the level of a strategic partnership," said PM Modi.

This upgraded partnership isn't just symbolic—it comes with tangible plans. A detailed action plan has already been drawn up to translate this strategic partnership into actionable outcomes. These include joint defence collaborations, maritime engagements, and a growing emphasis on regional security and economic integration.

Defence and Maritime Ties: A Strong Pillar

One of the most prominent elements of the renewed partnership is enhanced defence cooperation. For the first time ever, three Indian naval ships are participating in a naval exercise in the Philippines. A hydrography ship from India is also involved, marking a significant first in bilateral military engagement.

Both countries agreed on a set of mechanisms to facilitate defence coordination across the army, navy, and air force. These include:

• Capacity building

• Joint maritime operations

• Exchange of training programs

• Enhanced cooperation between the Indian and Philippine Coast Guards

This collaboration reflects a shared interest in freedom of navigation, particularly in the South China Sea—an increasingly contested region. India reiterated its position that the South China Sea is part of the global commons and affirmed its support for open and lawful maritime access under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Boosting Trade and Connectivity

Trade is another area getting a major push. India and the Philippines have officially launched discussions toward a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), aimed at boosting economic exchanges and lowering tariffs on key goods.

In a move set to bring the two countries closer, direct flights between India and the Philippines will begin later this year, making travel easier for businesspeople, students, and tourists. On top of that, Indian authorities will roll out a free e-tourist visa for Filipino nationals for one year starting August 2025—a strong gesture of goodwill and friendship.

Legal and Technological Cooperation

Beyond defence and trade, both sides also signed treaties for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and on the transfer of sentenced persons, streamlining legal cooperation between the two countries.

On the tech front, India has pledged its support for a pilot project to help the Philippines establish infrastructure for its Sovereign Data Cloud—a major step in digital self-reliance and cyber-security. Additionally, the Philippines has been invited to join India’s Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region, a hub for maritime intelligence and coordination.

Standing Together Against Terrorism

During the visit, PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the Philippines for its condemnation of the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, underlining the shared stance of both nations against terrorism in all its forms.

Looking Ahead

This visit marks more than just a diplomatic formality—it represents a robust expansion of a relationship grounded in mutual respect, strategic alignment, and shared regional interests. With defence ties strengthening, trade talks beginning, and people-to-people connectivity set to rise, India and the Philippines are clearly stepping into a more purposeful and action-oriented partnership.

As Asia continues to evolve as the heart of global geopolitics and economic dynamism, partnerships like this one will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the region.