Marcos Jr. Targets Deeper Indo-Pacific Maritime Ties in India Visit

Shared Seas, Strategic Interests Drive Diplomatic Push

Philippine President **Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.** embarks on a visit to India, emphasizing the robust maritime connections and aligned strategic goals between the two nations situated along critical Indo-Pacific trade routes.

Maritime Cooperation at the Forefront

In his remarks before departing, **President Marcos Jr.** highlighted the strategic importance of both nations as coastal states bordering vital international trade routes. He underscored their shared commitment to safeguarding seafarers’ rights and welfare.

“Our geostrategic position as coastal states that border the busiest international trade routes and critical sea lines of communication in the Indo-Pacific region, our shared interest in protecting the rights and welfare of our international seafarers, our steadfastness in upholding international maritime law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, and our unwavering commitment to regional peace and cooperation serve as credible foundations of our active and growing maritime cooperation.”

—Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines

This focus on maritime cooperation aligns with global efforts to ensure freedom of navigation. For instance, in 2023, over 80% of the world’s goods were transported by sea, underscoring the importance of these vital sea lanes (UNCTAD).

Foundations for Partnership

The President articulated that shared interests in upholding international maritime law, specifically referencing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award, form a strong basis for their expanding maritime collaboration.