Philippines, India Forge Deeper Defense Ties
Naval and Coast Guard Interoperability Boosted Under New Strategic Partnership
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced a significant strengthening of defense cooperation between the Philippines and India, focusing on enhanced interoperability for naval and coast guard forces.
Strategic Partnership Solidified
During a state visit to New Delhi, President Marcos Jr. stated that the new Strategic Partnership would foster cooperative activities and capacity building in maritime domains. This includes regular port calls and training exercises between the two nations’ naval and coast guard branches.
Defense Modernization and Cooperation
The partnership, formalized through thirteen new agreements, aims to institutionalize regular military-to-military dialogues. Three key agreements establish Terms of Reference for Navy-to-Navy, Air Force-to-Air Force, and Army-to-Army Staff Talks, streamlining cooperation and information sharing.
President Marcos Jr. lauded India’s expanding indigenous defense industry, highlighting the BrahMos missile project as a prime example of growing collaboration. The Philippines acquired three BrahMos missile batteries in a $375 million deal, with the first shipment arriving in April 2024, significantly enhancing its deterrence capabilities.
“We expressed satisfaction over the rapid pace of the Philippines’ ongoing defense modernization and the expanding capabilities and footprint of India’s indigenous defense industry.”
—Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines
Maritime Security Focus
Expressing gratitude for India’s assistance in rescuing Filipino seafarers in 2024, Marcos Jr. underscored the critical importance of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. He recognized India’s proactive role in the region and affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Philippines is actively diversifying its defense alliances amid persistent tensions in the West Philippine Sea. This strategy includes countering territorial intrusions, harassment of fishermen, and obstruction of resupply missions by Chinese vessels, a situation amplified by the 2016 arbitral ruling.
Shared Regional Interests
Both the Philippines and India face their own territorial disputes, notably India’s border challenges with China. President Marcos Jr. emphasized that this shared vulnerability creates a strong mutual interest in a secure, rules-based Indo-Pacific order.
The Philippines has now designated India as its fifth strategic partner, a designation that signifies a significant advancement in bilateral relations. India’s strategic partnership is expected to play a crucial role in shaping regional peace, stability, and cooperation.
The Philippines’ defense modernization efforts have seen significant investment, with the government allocating approximately $10 billion to this program between 2018 and 2022, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) 2023.
