India, Philippines Announce Strategic Partnership | Gist of Rajya Sabha TV / RSTV (now Sansad TV) - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

India and the Philippines have elevated their 75-year diplomatic ties to a strategic partnership during Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussed on Senset TV’s Perspective, the partnership, solidified by 14 agreements and MOUs, spans defense, trade, maritime security, healthcare, and digital innovation. This aligns with India’s Act East policy and Indo-Pacific strategy, positioning the Philippines as a key partner in countering China’s assertiveness and fostering regional stability.

Key Pillars

• Defense Cooperation: Includes BrahMos missile deal and joint naval exercises.
• Economic Growth: $3.3 billion bilateral trade with potential FTA discussions.
• Maritime Security: Focus on freedom of navigation and UNCLOS compliance.
• Technological Innovation: Collaboration in space, digital governance, and supply chains.
• Cultural Ties: Strengthened through educational exchanges and tourism.

Key Highlights

• Strategic Partnership: Elevates ties, reinforcing India’s Act East policy.
• BrahMos Deal: Philippines as first foreign buyer of India-Russia missile system.
• Maritime Focus: Joint exercises ensure Indo-Pacific security and stability.
• Trade Growth: $3.3 billion in 2024, with plans for preferential trade agreements.
• Tech Collaboration: Space technology and digital infrastructure partnerships.
• Cultural Bonds: Educational exchanges and tourism foster people-to-people ties.
• Five-Year Plan: Outlines defense, economic, and humanitarian cooperation goals.

Key Insights

1. Act East and Indo-Pacific Strategy
   The partnership strengthens India’s regional role, with the Philippines as a key ASEAN ally countering China’s South China Sea assertiveness, enhancing geopolitical balance.

2. Defense and Maritime Security
   The BrahMos missile deal and joint naval exercises underscore a commitment to UNCLOS and regional stability, countering China’s coercive maritime tactics.

3. Economic Diversification
   Bilateral trade of $3.3 billion, spanning pharmaceuticals, IT, and textiles, is set to grow through potential FTAs and ASEAN-India frameworks, boosting economic integration.

4. Space and Digital Innovation
   Cooperation in satellite development and India’s digital infrastructure (e.g., Aadhaar, UPI) offers the Philippines modernization opportunities, enhancing bilateral tech ties.

5. Supply Chain Resilience
   Joint efforts in electronics and pharmaceuticals reduce reliance on China, leveraging Philippines’ manufacturing strengths and India’s industrial base for global markets.

6. Cultural and People-to-People Ties
   Shared democratic values, educational exchanges, and tourism initiatives strengthen societal bonds, complementing official diplomacy for long-term partnership.

7. Five-Year Action Plan
   The roadmap prioritizes defense, economic growth, and humanitarian cooperation, addressing maritime security, climate resilience, and disaster relief for mutual benefit.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges: Navigating China’s regional influence, ensuring equitable trade benefits, and scaling technological collaboration.
• Opportunities: Deepening defense ties, expanding trade, and fostering innovation in space and digital sectors for regional stability.

Conclusion

The India-Philippines strategic partnership, formalized during President Marcos Jr.’s visit, marks a transformative milestone in Indo-Pacific cooperation. With robust defense ties, $3.3 billion in trade, and collaboration in space, digital governance, and cultural exchanges, the partnership counters regional challenges and drives mutual growth. The five-year action plan sets a clear path for deepened ties, positioning India and the Philippines as key players in a stable, prosperous Indo-Pacific by 2047.