India and the Philippines are set to deepen their defense and strategic partnership, with the Philippines expressing a marked interest in acquiring additional military equipment from India. This growing collaboration reflects an evolving relationship characterized by enhanced trust, shared maritime interests, and a commitment to broad-based cooperation.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a significant summit, anticipated to culminate in several key agreements spanning defense, development, and trade. Central to these discussions is the Philippines’ increased defense engagement with India. This comes at a time when the country is integrating BrahMos cruise missile systems, a joint venture product crafted with Russia, into its military capabilities.
Philippine Armed Forces Chief Romeo Brawner has commended the affordability and quality of Indian defense hardware, emphasizing that two additional BrahMos systems are slated for delivery in the coming years. This move aligns with Manila’s broader strategy to bolster its defense framework in the West Philippine Sea, an area characterized by heightened tensions with China.
In this context, India finds itself facing its own border tensions with China and has become an ardent advocate for regional stability, prominently supporting international rulings, such as the 2016 arbitral tribunal decision that dismissed China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea.
In a notable operational advancement, India is expected to take part in a joint maritime patrol with the Philippines in the South China Sea this week. This initiative signifies a proactive step in security collaboration, underscoring both nations’ resolve to uphold a rules-based maritime order.
In addition to defense cooperation, India has offered a concessional Line of Credit to the Philippines for military procurement, including potential naval assets. Joint training exercises and maritime security operations are also on the rise, focusing on institutionalizing defense collaboration and enhancing deterrence in the region.
India’s involvement extends beyond the defense sector, engaging in developmental partnerships through six active Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the Philippines. These initiatives aim to address critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, disaster risk reduction, and livelihood support, emphasizing India’s commitment as a responsive development partner as outlined in a memorandum signed in February 2023.
The upcoming Marcos-Modi summit is also poised to deliver six agreements covering diverse areas like science and technology, law, and culture, further expanding the horizons of bilateral cooperation.
On the economic front, trade between India and the Philippines has seen a notable surge, crossing the $3 billion threshold for the first time during 2022–2023. Discussions on a Preferential Trade Agreement are currently underway, aiming to enhance economic ties and provide resilience against global trade challenges, including tariffs imposed by the U.S. on both countries’ goods.
As both New Delhi and Manila navigate their relationships with Washington and Beijing, they are carefully enhancing cooperation with each other. This approach allows them to steer clear of major power rivalries while fostering a strong foundation for future engagements focused on maritime security and economic stability.
The India-Philippines partnership stands at a pivotal moment, defined by escalating defense cooperation, practical developmental support, and a shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
