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India and the Philippines have elevated their bilateral relationship by launching a comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a significant milestone during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India, his first since taking office.
This landmark visit signals a turning point in bilateral cooperation, particularly in defence, maritime security, and space, as both countries align their interests to uphold a stable, rules-based Indo-Pacific amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea.
After wide-ranging talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Marcos Jr. unveiled a Five-Year Plan of Action, charting collaboration across key sectors including defence, cybersecurity, digital technology, trade, and connectivity. The plan is underpinned by shared democratic values and a mutual commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
BrahMos Delivery and Submarine Support Anchor Defence Cooperation
Central to the new partnership is an expanded defence cooperation framework encompassing equipment supply, joint military exercises, and industrial collaboration.
India reaffirmed its commitment to deliver the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems to the Philippines under the existing agreement and explored possibilities for follow-on orders. A Terms of Reference (ToR) agreement was signed to strengthen cooperation across all three-armed services.
India Offers Technical Support for Philippine Submarine Infrastructure
Crucially, discussions included support for submarine infrastructure development in the Philippines. India has offered technical assistance in ship design, naval training, and submarine base development, as well as potential collaboration on future submarine production.
“India is keen to support the Philippines in developing submarine support infrastructure and underwater domain capabilities, which are essential for an archipelagic country facing evolving maritime security challenges,” said Secretary (East) P. Kumaran during a post-visit briefing.
Further commitments include capacity building for naval personnel, joint hydrographic surveys, and enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
Joint Naval Exercises in South China Sea Underscore Strategic Resolve
In a strong demonstration of growing defence ties, the Indian Navy and Philippine Navy conducted a two-day bilateral maritime exercise in the South China Sea, coinciding with President Marcos’s visit. Indian warships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan participated in drills near the West Philippine Sea, focusing on tactical manoeuvres, interoperability, and secure communications.
China reacted sharply, accusing the Philippines of “bringing in external forces” into contested waters. Indian officials, however, reiterated that the exercises aimed to uphold international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), and to promote freedom of navigation and overflight.
India to Scale Up Training and HADR Support for Philippines
India and the Philippines also agreed to scale up cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, and hydrography. In these areas, the Indian Navy has already demonstrated its capability through recent port visits to the Philippines.
More than 1,000 Filipino officials have received training in India under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme since 2014, underscoring a long-standing partnership in capacity building.
Manila, New Delhi Push Back Against Coercion in South China Sea
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality, the freedom of navigation and overflight, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. They jointly called for an effective, inclusive, and legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that respects the rights of all stakeholders, including non-claimant countries.
India also invited the Philippines to participate in capacity-building programmes at the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC–IOR) to boost maritime security coordination.
MoU Signed for Satellite Launch and Space Research Cooperation
The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Space Cooperation, under which India will offer satellite launch services and technical expertise to help the Philippines build its satellite capabilities.
The initiative will support key areas such as agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and climate monitoring. President Marcos expressed strong interest in India’s affordable and socially impactful space programme, with discussions on collaboration in satellite design, remote sensing, and training opportunities for Filipino space scientists.
A Strategic Realignment Underway
President Marcos’s visit marks a strategic reset in India–Philippines relations, propelling the partnership into a new phase of geostrategic convergence. While regional dynamics, especially China’s reactions, will continue to shape the backdrop, New Delhi and Manila have sent a clear message: their partnership is anchored in international law, rooted in mutual interests, and driven by a shared vision of regional stability, development, and maritime security.
Huma Siddiqui
