Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos is on a visit to India. The first consignment of BrahMos missiles has reached Manila. Several agreements are likely to be signed between India and the Philippines to enhance cooperation in defence and maritime security.
New Delhi: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has arrived in India on his first official visit. This five-day state visit is considered extremely important for strengthening bilateral relations between India and the Philippines. President Marcos Jr. is accompanied by his wife, cabinet ministers, senior officials, and a high-level delegation of trade representatives.
Significant Discussions on Defence and Strategic Partnership
President Marcos' visit comes at a time when both countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. This visit is set to give a new direction to defence cooperation. Several important defence agreements are likely to be signed during the proposed bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Marcos on August 5.
Philippines Becomes First Country to Purchase BrahMos Missiles from India
The Philippines is the first country to purchase BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. In April 2024, the first consignment of the BrahMos system reached Manila. This has significantly increased the strategic strength of the Philippines. Now, there are reports that the Philippines is also planning to purchase other defence equipment from India. This will further deepen the defence partnership between India and the Philippines.
Response to China's Aggression in the South China Sea
Amid China's aggression in the South China Sea, the Philippines has begun to prioritize its strategic partnership with India. This cooperation is not only in the interest of both countries but is also necessary for the stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region. India considers this region an important part of its Indo-Pacific policy and 'Vision Sagar' strategy.
Long-standing Cultural and Diplomatic Ties Between India and the Philippines
Diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines were established in November 1949. The relationship became even ber after India's 'Look East Policy' in 1992 and later the 'Act East Policy'. Several words of Sanskrit origin in the Tagalog language, the Laguna Copperplate Inscription, and archaeological evidence such as the Agusan Tara statue, testify to this deep cultural connection.
Growing Cooperation on the ASEAN Platform
India and the Philippines' relations have also strengthened on ASEAN platforms. The ASEAN-India Summit held in Lao PDR in October 2024 and the meetings held in Jakarta in 2023 have given a new dimension to the dialogue between the two countries. This cooperation is now also visible at the strategic and trade levels.
India and the Philippines are preparing to launch a joint patrol operation in the South China Sea this week. This is an indication that both countries want to work together to challenge China's bullying.
Boost to Defence Production and Technical Cooperation
According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, President Marcos' visit will give a new dimension to the strategic partnership. This will focus particularly on maritime security, defence production, and regional stability. President Marcos will also visit Bengaluru after New Delhi. This visit will be important for promoting technical cooperation and startup innovation between India and the Philippines.
India is not only selling defence equipment but is also planning to give the Philippines a concessional 'Line of Credit'. Both countries are also working towards expanding joint training and exercises on maritime security.
New Direction to Trade and Investment
In the year 2022-2023, bilateral trade between India and the Philippines crossed $3 billion. Now both countries are ready to start negotiations on a preferential trade agreement. This agreement will help both countries avoid the impact of the US trade policy, which imposes a 25% tariff on India and a 19% tariff on the Philippines.
