In a significant step towards deepening regional cooperation, India and the Philippines on Tuesday formally elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, with a strong emphasis on defence collaboration, maritime security, and economic synergy. The announcement was made during Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.&rsquo;s official visit to New Delhi, where he held extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House.
During the joint press statement, President Marcos expressed satisfaction over the Philippines&rsquo; ongoing defence modernisation and acknowledged the growing role of India&rsquo;s indigenous defence industry in supporting these efforts. He specifically highlighted the BrahMos missile project as a milestone in the partnership, calling it a clear example of India&rsquo;s expanding defence footprint in the Indo-Pacific region.
As the two leaders stood side-by-side, President Marcos reaffirmed his country&rsquo;s readiness to work with India to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. He announced new mechanisms to facilitate dialogue between the defence establishments of both nations and proposed enhancing cooperation between their naval forces and coast guards. Port calls, joint exercises, and training exchanges will be part of this deepening military to military engagement.
The two leaders also agreed to expedite negotiations for a bilateral preferential trade agreement and expand two-way investment flows. Marcos emphasised the importance of innovation, digital transformation, and upskilling in both countries, adding that the private sector would play a crucial role in driving growth and employment.
In a notable gesture, the Philippines President thanked India and the Indian Navy for rescuing Filipino nationals during a Houthi rebel attack earlier this year. He said the Philippines fully recognises India&rsquo;s role as a responsible regional actor and its swift humanitarian response, which underscores its growing leadership in the Indo-Pacific.
President Marcos also expressed the Philippines&rsquo; solidarity with India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year and commended India&rsquo;s resilience and determination in combating terrorism. He reiterated his admiration for India&rsquo;s transformation into a global economic and strategic power under Prime Minister Modi&rsquo;s leadership, noting the country&rsquo;s march towards &lsquo;Viksit Bharat&rsquo; by 2047.
While reflecting on shared values and strategic interests, President Marcos said that India has now become only the fifth country to be designated a strategic partner by the Philippines, a reflection of trust, shared vision, and the broadening scope of bilateral cooperation.
Both nations also reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order, particularly in the maritime domain. President Marcos welcomed India&rsquo;s support for the peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including the 2016 arbitration ruling on the South China Sea.
As the leaders concluded their engagement, the tone was unmistakably optimistic. India and the Philippines are no longer just partners in development, they are strategic collaborators navigating an increasingly complex world order. The message from New Delhi was clear: In the Indo-Pacific, shared values and mutual interests are setting the course for long-term stability and cooperation.

India, Philippines Seal Strategic Defence Pact

BrahMos project highlights growing India-Philippines ties under new strategic partnership

India, Philippines Seal Strategic Defence Pact

BrahMos project highlights growing India-Philippines ties under new strategic partnership

August 5, 2025 | 17:29 IST