India and the Philippines have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is on a five-day state visit to India. The upgrade aligns with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In his joint address after the talks, Prime Minister Modi said the new partnership would be guided by a comprehensive action plan. “India and the Philippines are friends by choice and partners by destiny. We are committed to peace, security and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.”
Cooperation Across Critical Sectors
In a special briefing after the talks, MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran elaborated on the operational substance behind the high-level announcements. “The strategic partnership will include structured cooperation in defence, security, digital technology, science, space and maritime cooperation.”
He said six Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) are underway in the Philippines under Indian grant assistance, with plans to expand this development model to more provinces.
Defence And Maritime Cooperation
With the export of BrahMos missiles already underway, talks are advancing toward deeper coordination. “President Marcos specifically called for enhanced collaboration in the defence industry and expressed interest in additional platforms from India,” Kumaran noted. “We are also discussing joint training, capacity building and service-to-service cooperation through a newly agreed Terms of Reference.”
Indian Navy ships are currently participating in joint maritime drills with the Philippines, including hydrographic surveys, which Kumaran described as “a demonstration of India’s growing hydrographic capabilities and maritime security outreach.”
Digital Tech And Sovereign Data Cloud
India will assist the Philippines in establishing a sovereign data cloud through a pilot initiative, reflecting a shared interest in data governance and digital sovereignty.
“The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in digital and financial technologies. This includes support for the Philippines’ digital ID system and exploring the linking of national payment systems,” Kumaran explained. He confirmed that the Philippine national ID programme is using technologies developed through Indian platforms such as Modular Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP).
Economic Links And Trade Roadmap
India and the Philippines agreed to expedite the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement review, while also launching talks for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
“There’s strong interest in expanding trade across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biofuels and even green hydrogen. We are also exploring collaboration in food security and smart port infrastructure,” Kumaran added.
He stated that Indian investments in the Philippines exceed $1.2 billion directly and up to $5 billion including third-country routed capital, spanning IT, pharma, FMCG, healthcare and textiles.
Connectivity And People-to-People Ties
Direct flight connectivity between India and the Philippines is expected to begin soon, with both sides easing visa regimes. India has reinstated tourist visas for Filipino nationals, while the Philippines now allows visa-free entry for Indian citizens for up to 14 days.
A joint commemorative stamp was released, and cultural links were reaffirmed with references to shared epics like Maharadia Lawana—a Filipino adaptation of the Ramayana.
Concrete Outcomes
The joint elevation of ties marks a strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific amid shifting geopolitical currents. Secretary Kumaran said: “This visit has delivered concrete outcomes. With a five-year action plan in place, we are now looking at time-bound deliverables across defence, trade, digital and development sectors.”
As both nations look ahead, the strategic partnership sets the tone for a new phase of cooperation that is future-focused, resilient and regionally consequential.
