India is among the “pantheon of countries” with which Manila has a robust defence and security partnership even as it confronts a rising and belligerent China, said Josel F. Ignacio, Ambassador of the Philippines to India.
Speaking exclusively to StratNews Global, the Philippine envoy said, the purchase of BrahMos cruise missiles from India by Manila was a step in the right direction.
“We were the first country to which India has sold the BrahMos missiles. The deliveries have been going smoothly. BrahMos technology affords the Philippines, credible deterrence, credible defense and it is completely in sync with our comprehensive archipelagic defense concept,” he said.
During his recent visit to New Delhi and Bengaluru from 4-8 August, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., mentioned that his country is in the process of acquiring more BrahMos missiles from India as part of their defence modernisation plan.
In April 2024, the Philippines received the first batch of BrahMos missiles from India under a $375 million deal that was signed in 2022. This included three batteries of the missiles, operators and logistical support.
“As regards our future procurements or purchases of the BrahMos, as the president has said, everything’s on the table. Ultimately, the decision will be based with our Defence Department. But I think overall what it shows is the kind of mutual trust that has been developing between the Philippines and India in the area of defence,” Ignacio said.
The move also reflects the Philippines “recognition of India as a credible provider of quality defence (products) that are indigenously produced.
“We feel that for our current needs and the current realities, these are, you know, in sync with our objectives. Future orders we see us beefing up, you know, what we are, acquiring and the kind of capabilities we are acquiring now.
The Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) of the Philippines was launched in 2024. It is focused on securing the country’s vast archipelago and its exclusive economic zone, thereby deterring incursions, specifically by the Chinese Navy, and enhancing their maritime security. This is being referred to as the Philippines’ Horizon 3 military modernization.
China As Pain Point
President Marcos India visit coincided with a joint drill by the navies of the two countries in the South China Sea for the first time. India deployed its guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi, tanker INS Shakti and corvette INS Kirpan which joined two frigates of the Philippines – BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Jose Rizal.
China criticised the drills, accusing the Philippines of involving a “third country” in exercises and disrupting regional peace.
“We conduct (these activities) with our partners, including India, for broader objectives. Both India and the Philippines, we are maritime nations with centuries-old traditions. And now we are two countries that espouse having free, inclusive and open waterways in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
The envoy added, “So, there are larger ends to what we’re doing, undertaking joint, maritime cooperative activities (MCA) which in plain speak would be naval drills. It assists in the development of interoperability between our naval forces, understanding and sharing of best practices.”
“For our respective relationships with China, there are pain points… There are differences,” he said.
However, referring to the recent meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Ignacio said, “These differences (with China) should not erupt into conflict and dispute. So, both of us (India and the Philippines), we have our own problems, our own difficulties with China.”
But, he said, this should not be the “sole driver” in the enhancement of bilateral ties between New Delhi and Manila.
