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India Philippines announce strategic partnership: India and the Philippines announced a strategic partnership. Prime Minister Modi and President Marcos emphasized on increasing cooperation in defense, trade, technology, tourism, health and agriculture.
India and the Philippines on Tuesday announced to elevate their bilateral partnership to a strategic level. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the occasion that the deep mutual trust between the two countries is a symbol of strengthening defense cooperation. The announcement was made after bilateral talks between Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi. This year, the two countries are celebrating 75 years of their diplomatic partnership, to commemorate which the two leaders also released a special postage stamp.
Prime Minister Modi said that we are happy that today we have decided to take our partnership to a strategic level. A comprehensive action plan has also been prepared to turn the potential of this partnership into reality. He said that bilateral trade between the two countries has crossed $ 3.5 billion and to increase it further, priority will be given to the review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. Apart from this, emphasis was laid on further deepening cooperation in areas like defense, trade, technology, tourism, health and agriculture.
Marcos on five-day visit to India
President Marcos, who is on a five-day visit to India from August 4, said the visit is a confirmation of the further strengthening of the partnership and alliance between the two countries. Addressing the Filipino community in New Delhi, he said the strategic partnership will make cooperation in areas such as defense, trade and technology more effective. Marcos praised India’s economic and strategic progress and said the partnership will open up new opportunities for both countries.
Prime Minister Modi thanked the Philippine government for condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. That attack claimed 26 lives. He said the Philippines stands shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism. The two countries reiterated their commitment to peace, security and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Modi stressed on supporting freedom of maritime navigation under international law, especially in the context of China’s aggression in the South China Sea.
Defense cooperation is growing rapidly
Defence cooperation between the two countries has grown rapidly in recent years. India delivered the first batch of Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines in April 2024 and two more systems will be delivered soon. In addition, the navies of the two countries are going to conduct their first joint maritime exercise in the West Philippine Sea on August 3-4. This move will further strengthen maritime security cooperation between the two countries.
Marcos is expected to meet business leaders in Bengaluru and sign six agreements during his visit, covering areas such as science, technology and culture. India has also offered concessional loans to the Philippines for military purchases. The two countries have also taken steps to promote trade in minerals such as nickel and tourism, including plans to start direct flights between Delhi and Manila from October 2025.
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