India and Philippines Elevate Bilateral Ties to Strategic Partnership During President Marcos’ State Visit
- MGMMTeam
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
The diplomatic landscape of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent saw a significant development this week as Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. arrived in India for a five-day state visit. This marked his first official visit to the country and came at a momentous time—just as India and the Philippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. The visit led to the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, reflecting growing alignment on security, economic, and regional interests in the Indo-Pacific.
A Milestone Visit in Indo-Pacific Diplomacy
President Marcos was warmly welcomed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar upon arrival, before holding extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. The visit was not merely ceremonial. It set the tone for deeper, long-term collaboration between the two democracies, rooted in shared values of sovereignty, democracy, and regional stability.
In his address to the Filipino diaspora in New Delhi, Marcos officially announced the decision to upgrade India–Philippines relations to a Strategic Partnership. This declaration sets a framework for multi-sectoral cooperation ranging from defense and maritime security to infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy.
Maritime Security and Defense: Core Pillars of Engagement
A defining feature of this visit was the emphasis on defense and maritime cooperation. Just days before President Marcos arrived, the Indian and Philippine navies conducted their first-ever joint sail in the contested waters of the South China Sea. The symbolic drill, though brief, was closely monitored by Chinese vessels, reflecting the geopolitical sensitivities in the region.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. India’s willingness to supply more defense hardware, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, stood out as a key development. The Philippines had earlier signed a $375 million agreement with India for the missile system, and the first batch is being delivered this year. During the visit, Marcos expressed interest in expanding defense procurement and collaboration in technology sharing, military training, and joint exercises.
Economic and Trade Ambitions: A Vision Beyond Defense
Trade and investment were central to the bilateral discussions. With bilateral trade now exceeding $3 billion, India and the Philippines aim to diversify economic ties beyond defense. Prime Minister Modi highlighted opportunities in pharmaceuticals, agri-tech, renewable energy, digital innovation, and infrastructure development. President Marcos underscored the potential of India’s digital economy and its relevance for inclusive growth in Southeast Asia.
Tourism and people-to-people ties also received a boost, especially after the Philippines introduced visa-free entry for Indian citizens beginning June 2025. The move is expected to enhance tourism, educational exchange, and cultural diplomacy between the two countries.
A Shared Indo-Pacific Vision Anchored in ASEAN Centrality
The two leaders voiced strong support for ASEAN centrality and multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Their joint emphasis on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) underscores a mutual commitment to upholding international law in maritime domains, particularly in light of rising Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea.
India’s Act East Policy has played a significant role in reshaping its engagement with Southeast Asia, and the Philippines now finds itself at the center of this strategic outreach. As part of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, both countries are exploring partnerships in maritime ecology, disaster resilience, and regional connectivity.
Historical Roots and Cultural Bridges
While this visit focused largely on future cooperation, both leaders acknowledged the historical and cultural foundations of the India–Philippines relationship. India’s cultural influence in Southeast Asia dates back centuries, evident in Philippine folklore, Tagalog vocabulary, and shared religious traditions. Formal diplomatic ties were established in 1949, with a Treaty of Friendship signed three years later in 1952.
President Marcos laid a wreath at Rajghat in New Delhi, honoring Mahatma Gandhi and signaling a mutual respect for peace, non-violence, and democratic ideals. He also met with President Droupadi Murmu and held discussions on a range of development projects under India’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) and potential Lines of Credit in sectors like health and agriculture.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Bilateral Relations
President Marcos’ five-day visit has not only strengthened bilateral ties but has also redefined India–Philippines engagement in the broader Indo-Pacific context. The elevation to a Strategic Partnership is more than a diplomatic gesture—it reflects a convergence of security concerns, economic ambitions, and democratic principles.
As geopolitical currents shift in the Indo-Pacific, the India–Philippines partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a secure, inclusive, and rules-based regional order. The foundations laid during this visit open avenues for sustained engagement, enhanced defense collaboration, and deeper people-to-people ties—ushering in a new era for both nations.
(Sources: Firstpost, DD News, The Economic Times)
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