NEW DELHI – The Philippines and India have strengthened their diplomatic ties by signing 13 new bilateral agreements in various areas including defense, maritime security, law enforcement, digital technology, tourism, and outer space.
This marks the official elevation of their relations to a Strategic Partnership, following a closed-door bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House on Tuesday.
Key Agreements Signed between Philippines and India
The agreements signed cover various crucial sectors:
- Strategic Partnership Declaration: The Exchange of Declaration formalizes the relationship between the Republic of India and the Republic of the Philippines as a Strategic Partnership.
- Plan of Action for 2025-2029: This detailed roadmap outlines the cooperation initiatives between the two countries for the next four years.
Defense and Security Cooperation
Several agreements on defense and security were signed, including:
- Air Force Cooperation: Terms of Reference were signed for Air Staff Talks between the Indian Air Force and the Philippine Air Force.
- Army Cooperation: Similar Terms of Reference were signed for Army-to-Army Staff Talks between the Indian Army and the Philippine Army.
- Navy Cooperation: Terms of Reference for Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks between the Indian Navy and the Philippine Navy.
In addition, both nations agreed to strengthen maritime security and law enforcement cooperation.
Digital Technology and Space Development
The Philippines and India have also partnered in the fields of digital technology and space development:
- Digital Technologies: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of India and the Philippine Government to enhance cooperation in digital technologies.
- Space Cooperation: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) signed a Statement of Intent on peaceful uses of outer space.
Tourism and Cultural Exchange
- Tourism Cooperation: The Department of Tourism of the Philippines and the Ministry of Tourism of India signed a Program of Cooperation for tourism between the two countries for the period of 2025-2028.
- Cultural Exchange: A Cultural Exchange Program was also signed to foster better cultural ties between India and the Philippines.
Conclusion
These agreements reflect the deepening of the Philippines’ relationship with India, focusing on defense, technology, tourism, and space exploration. The partnership aligns with both countries’ strategic goals to enhance bilateral collaboration and strengthen ties across these sectors.
President Marcos’ ongoing state visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening this Strategic Partnership. Following this visit, Marcos will meet with business leaders and industry executives in Bengaluru, India’s tech center, to discuss expanding economic cooperation.
References:
- PH, India forge deals on defense, digital tech, tourism, space dev’t
- PH, India agree to boost security talks for free, open Indo-Pacific
- Philippines, India raises ties to strategic partnership
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