India and Philippines Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate Bilateral and Indo-Pacific Cooperation

The Voice of Chandigarh

In a landmark development, India and the Philippines have officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking a significant milestone in the 75th year of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The announcement was made during the State Visit of H.E. Mr. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, to India from 4–8 August 2025 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

President Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Mme. Louise Araneta Marcos, senior cabinet ministers, and a high-level business delegation, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and laid floral tributes at Raj Ghat. Bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Marcos were held on August 5, followed by the adoption of a Plan of Action (2025–2029) and the signing of several bilateral agreements.

Key Highlights of the Strategic Partnership:

1. Political and Diplomatic Cooperation

Regular high-level visits and institutional dialogues, including the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and Strategic Dialogues.
Enhanced legislative exchanges and youth engagement to build mutual understanding.

2. Defence, Security, and Maritime Engagement

Greater collaboration under the 2006 Defence Cooperation Agreement.
Strengthening tri-service military training, joint exercises, defence R&D, and maritime security cooperation.
Deepened engagement in regional and multilateral maritime exercises such as the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise and MILAN.

3. Trade and Economic Linkages

Bilateral trade reached approximately USD 3.3 billion in FY 2024–25.
Commitment to conclude a Preferential Trade Agreement and expand cooperation in key areas including critical minerals, digital technology, clean energy, and infrastructure.
Enhanced B2B ties and trade facilitation measures through joint industry mechanisms and customs cooperation.

4. Science, Technology, and Innovation

New initiatives under a Cooperation Programme in S&T (2025–28), with emphasis on joint R&D and peaceful use of outer space and nuclear energy.
Expansion of Edu-tech and Med-tech collaboration, especially in agriculture and aquaculture.

5. Connectivity and People-to-People Links

Commitment to direct air connectivity between New Delhi and Manila in the coming months.
Recognition of visa-free travel for Indian citizens to the Philippines and India’s gratis e-tourist visa for Filipinos.
Enhanced digital, maritime, and cultural connectivity including collaborations in tourism, traditional medicine, and media exchanges.

6. Legal and Judicial Cooperation

Signing of treaties on Mutual Legal Assistance and Transfer of Sentenced Persons, paving the way for enhanced criminal justice cooperation.

7. Multilateral and Global Cooperation

Strong joint advocacy for a rules-based international order, respect for UNCLOS, and peaceful resolution of disputes, especially in the South China Sea.
Cooperation under the ASEAN framework, Voice of the Global South Summit, and global platforms addressing climate change, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.
Support for UN Security Council reform and strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

This Strategic Partnership marks a new era in India-Philippines relations, grounded in shared democratic values, mutual respect, and a common vision for peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation across sectors and work towards tangible outcomes benefiting their peoples and the broader region.