Why in News: Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent visit to India marked the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement, strengthening bilateral ties amid regional security challenges.
Context of the Visit
- Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited India in his first trip since taking office in 2022.
- The visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations through a Strategic Partnership Agreement.
Statements on Bilateral Relations
- President Marcos described India as an “indispensable partner” for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
- Prime Minister Modi praised the Philippines’ trust in India’s defence capabilities and reaffirmed India’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Key Highlights of India-Philippines Visit
- Strategic Partnership: India and the Philippines formalised a Strategic Partnership for long-term cooperation.
- Defence Cooperation: Agreement to institutionalise Ministerial Defence Dialogue and enhance defence industry ties.
- BrahMos Deal: Philippines to expand BrahMos missile purchase and explore joint production.
- Indo-Pacific Cooperation: India supports ASEAN centrality and the 2016 South China Sea ruling.
- Trade Goals: Both committed to doubling bilateral trade by 2030 and signed MOUs in pharma, digital payments, and green energy.
- People-to-People: Additional ITEC scholarships and new youth exchange programs announced.
Historical Relations of India-Philippines Relations
- Diplomatic Relations Established: India and the Philippines officially established diplomatic ties in 1949.
- Shared Foundations: Their relationship has been shaped by common democratic values, anti-colonial histories, and evolving geopolitical interests.
- Policy Framework: India’s “Look East” policy initiated deeper engagement with Southeast Asia. This evolved into the more proactive “Act East” policy, further strengthening ties with ASEAN countries, including the Philippines.
- Philippines’ Role: Over time, the Philippines has become an increasingly important partner in India’s Southeast Asia strategy.
Economic Relations
- Bilateral trade is around $3.3 billion (2024-25) and growing.
- Investments are rising, especially in technology and pharmaceuticals.
- Agreements signed to ease visas and start direct flights to boost connectivity.
- Talks planned for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to liberalize trade.
- India is fast-tracking revision of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to strengthen regional trade.
Strategic and Security Relation:
- Signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement for long-term cooperation.
- Conducted first-ever joint naval exercises in the South China Sea.
- India supports the 2016 UNCLOS ruling backing the Philippines on South China Sea disputes.
- Philippines is the first export destination for BrahMos missiles, with interest in more Indian defense equipment.
- Visit signals India’s commitment to Indo-Pacific peace and security beyond the Quad.
Development Cooperation between India and the Philippines
Capacity Building & Training:
- India provides multiple capacity-building and training programs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.
Disaster Relief & Humanitarian Assistance:
- Both countries collaborate in disaster management and humanitarian aid efforts.
Digital Infrastructure Support:
- India is supporting the Philippines’ Sovereign Data Cloud pilot project, enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure.
Regional and Diplomatic Significance of India-Philippines Relations
- Indo-Pacific Security: Strengthens cooperation against China’s South China Sea claims; supports rules-based maritime order (2016 UNCLOS ruling).
- ASEAN Engagement: Philippines chairs ASEAN 2026 and coordinates ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership, boosting India’s Act East policy.
- Diplomatic Repair: Mends ties after earlier ASEAN remarks; shows India’s respect for Southeast Asian partners.
- Economic Integration: Moves to revise ASEAN-India trade deal and start Preferential Trade Agreement talks; growing investments in tech and pharma.
- Geopolitical Role: Shows India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy beyond the Quad, engaging regional powers amid global competition.
Conclusion
- India’s engagement with the Philippines signals a broader strategy to deepen relations with Southeast Asian countries amid rising regional tensions.
UPSC RELEVANCE
GS Paper 2: International Relations
Mains Practice Question
Q: Discuss the significance of India’s strategic partnership with the Philippines in the context of India’s Act East Policy and the evolving geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region.
Prelims Facts
- India and the Philippines signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement, making India Philippines fifth strategic partner after Japan, Vietnam, Australia, and South Korea.
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
What is ASEAN?
- A regional organization promoting political and social stability among Asia-Pacific post-colonial states.
Motto:
- “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”
ASEAN Day:
- Observed on 8th August
ASEAN Secretariat:
- Located in Jakarta, Indonesia
Member Nations (10 total):
Genesis of ASEAN:
Established: 1967
Founding Declaration: ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration)
Founding Members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand.