India and Philippines Elevate Strategic Partnership With Five-Year Action Plan and Defence Cooperation Boost
India and the Philippines elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership on Tuesday during the official meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in New Delhi.
The move marks a significant milestone in the 75th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries, underlining expanded cooperation across defence, maritime security, trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
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| Image Source: MEA India |
“Today, we are taking India-Philippines relations to the level of strategic partnership. This will give new momentum and depth to our ties,” Modi said during the joint press statement.
He added that defence and security cooperation between the two nations will be further strengthened.
The meeting saw a comprehensive discussion on areas of collaboration, with both leaders reviewing progress made in trade, defence, maritime affairs, healthcare, development partnerships, and people-to-people connections.
Modi highlighted that an action plan has been drawn up to guide the relationship over the next five years. “It is heartening that like many of Prime Minister Marcos’ commitments, this too has been honoured--and done so ahead of schedule,” he noted.
India and the Philippines also announced a new Science and Technology Cooperation Plan and discussed ongoing joint research in areas ranging from virology to artificial intelligence.
The International Rice Research Institute’s regional centre in Varanasi was mentioned for its work on ultra-low glycemic index rice varieties—a project that Modi said represents a blend of taste and health.
Trade emerged as another key focus, with the two sides agreeing to push for the early review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.
They also signalled intent to explore a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement. With bilateral trade already crossing the USD 3 billion mark, Modi emphasised the role of Indian companies across diverse sectors in the Philippines, including digital technology, automotive, infrastructure, and mineral resources.
Defence cooperation was underscored by the presence of three Indian naval ships participating in an exercise in the Philippines for the first time, including a hydrography vessel.
The leaders also signed agreements on Mutual Legal Assistance and the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, bolstering the legal and security frameworks between the two nations.
In an effort to enhance connectivity and tourism, Modi welcomed the Philippines’ decision to grant visa-free entry to Indian travellers and announced India’s reciprocal move to offer free e-visas to Filipino tourists.
Plans to launch direct flights between Delhi and Manila were also confirmed.
Culturally, Modi invoked deep historical ties, referencing the Filipino rendition of the Ramayana--“Maharadia Lawana”--as evidence of ancient civilisational links.
A commemorative stamp featuring the national flowers of both nations was released to mark 75 years of diplomatic engagement.
On regional and global issues, Modi affirmed the Philippines’ importance within India’s Act East Policy and broader Indo-Pacific vision.
“We are committed to peace, security, prosperity and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
We support freedom of navigation in accordance with international law,” he said.
With the Philippines set to coordinate ASEAN’s ties with India through July 2027 and assume ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, both sides expressed confidence in deepening regional cooperation.
Concluding his remarks, Modi said: “India and the Philippines are friends by choice, and partners by destiny. From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, we are united by shared values. Ours is not just a friendship of the past, it is a promise to the future.”