PH, India elevate ties to strategic partnership

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippines and India have officially upgraded their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, a significant milestone that signals deeper cooperation between two of Asia’s largest democracies.

The announcement was made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his state visit to India on Tuesday, following bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

“Prime Minister Modi and I formally launch the strategic partnership between the Philippines and India. For the Philippines, this is a strategic decision, for we take a very considered path to elevate our partnerships. Today, India becomes only the fifth country to have such a partnership with the Philippines,” President Marcos said.

This development marks a historic shift in the 75-year diplomatic relationship. The Philippines was one of the first countries to recognize India's independence from British rule in 1947, with formal diplomatic relations established in 1949.

The strategic partnership elevated cooperation beyond traditional areas and will include defense and maritime security, trade and investment, health, tourism, and science and technology.

“Our cooperation will intensify further and become even more impactful in many, many areas that we had not explored with India before,” Marcos added.

Several new bilateral agreements are expected to be signed in the coming days, covering law, culture, education, and scientific research.

Indo-Pacific vision

The upgrade is seen as part of both countries’ efforts to bolster regional security amid shared concerns over developments in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea.

India, which maintains its Act East policy, views the Philippines as a key partner in Southeast Asia. In recent years, New Delhi has expanded defense cooperation in the region, including naval exercises and arms sales, such as the BrahMos missile deal signed with Manila in 2022.

Support for Filipinos in India

Marcos also met with the Filipino community in New Delhi, where he expressed gratitude for their contributions and reaffirmed the government’s support.

“There are about 200 Filipinos in the capital, and several thousand more across the country. Their welfare remains a priority for us, and the agreements signed here aim to uplift their lives both at home and abroad,” Marcos said.

This makes India only the fifth country - after the United States, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia - with which the Philippines has established a strategic partnership.