Experts on maritime security have hailed the inaugural India-Philippines Maritime Dialogue as “a welcome step” that will strengthen India’s position as a maritime nation in the Indo-Pacific.
The dialogue which took place in Manila on Friday, coincides with 75 years of diplomatic relationship between India and Philippines
The Ministry of External Affairs said that the two sides exchanged perspectives on prevailing maritime challenges and discussed ways to enhance maritime cooperation in furthering a conducive environment for mutual growth and global well-being.
The two delegations laid emphasis on adherence to a rules- based order, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
They also explored cooperation initiatives in the maritime domain to uphold the same.
Captain Sarabjeet Parmer, Distinguished Fellow at New Delhi based think-tank, USI, described the dialogue as a welcome step.
“This is late in coming but it has arrived. It is a welcome step for enhancement of India’s cooperation with another country of South East Asia and will strengthens India’s position as a maritime nation in the Indo Pacific.”
Parmar who has also worked with the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, added that the dialogue also adds to India’s Act East policy and outreach based on the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
According to the MEA, delegation members of India and the Philippines exchanged perspectives on prevailing maritime challenges.
They also discussed ways to enhance maritime cooperation in furthering a conducive environment for mutual growth and global well-being.
While trying to increase bilateral engagement, the two delegations also deliberated on avenues to collaborate at various international and regional fora for shared objectives.
They agreed to share best practices and partner in maritime capacity building initiatives in areas such as Maritime Industry, Marine Scientific Research, Ocean Economy, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
The delegations also agreed to share best practices in Navy and Coast Guard cooperation and maritime law enforcement.
The two countries have agreed to hold the next round of dialogue in New Delhi in 2025.
Captain Parmar says that all these aspects fall in the ambit of the Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)
He said that Philippines could consider coming on board on any one or more of the seven pillars of IPOI.
India is committed to the maritime agenda at the global level.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the IPOI in 2019 at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
The main objective of the IPOI is to ensure the safety, security, and stability of the maritime domain.
The IPOI proposes cooperation in seven sectors or ‘pillars’.
These are Maritime security; maritime ecology; maritime resources; capacity building and resource sharing; disaster risk reduction and management; science, technology and academic cooperation; trade, connectivity and maritime transport.
On August 9, 2021, Prime Minister Modi participated in the high-level UNSC Open Debate on ‘Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case For International Cooperation.’
With specific reference to capacity and capability building of Philippines and addressing security issues in South China Sea, Parmar said that India’s delivery of the first batch of BrahMos missile system to the Philippines in April 2024, can be considered a first step towards maritime cooperation.
Notably, this was the first export of BrahMos missile system by India.
Before the delivery, personnel from the Philippines Navy underwent rigorous training at BrahMos’ Nagpur facility in Maharashtra, in 2023.
He said that both countries have ample experience of dealing with non- traditional threats- both land based and maritime.
“Sharing these experiences will add value to the growing relations between the two countries.’’
Other experts also agree that India’s relationship with the Philippines has been on an upward trajectory after the finalizing of the US$374.96-million deal with the BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited in January 2022.
The inaugural India- Philippines maritime Track 2 dialogue also took place in September 2023.
On Friday, Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary, Disarmament and International Security Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, led the Indian delegation.
Marshall Louis Alferez, Assistant Secretary, Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office, Department of Foreign Affairs, led the delegation from Philippines.
Speaking recently at an event in New Delhi to mark the 75th anniversary of India-Philippines diplomatic relations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, said, “Our ties are rooted in democratic values, pluralistic ethos, and economic commonalities”.
He added that India and Philippines are deeply committed to upholding international law, norms and rules.
