President Droupadi Murmu says Philippines is important partner of India’s Act East Policy to bring stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region
President Droupadi Murmu has emphasized that the India-Philippines partnership is not only beneficial for the people of both countries but also serves as an anchor for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Welcoming Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Junior and his high-level delegation on their first State visit to India, President Murmu noted that the wide-ranging bilateral cooperation between the two maritime nations encompasses sustained high-level engagement, flourishing trade and commerce, robust defense and security partnership, including in the maritime domain, and a strong development partnership.
The President highlighted that India and the Philippines share a longstanding friendship based on civilizational contacts, historical ties, and common values. She expressed her desire to elevate this relationship further through enhanced cultural exchanges, people-to-people connections, and direct flight connectivity between the two nations. To facilitate easier travel, discussions were held on implementing an e-tourist visa system and exploring the possibility of visa-free entry for citizens of both countries.
President Droupadi Murmu emphasized that the elevation of bilateral ties to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ will further bolster multifaceted cooperation between India and the Philippines. This upgrade is expected to strengthen bilateral agreements, including mutual legal assistance treaties, and foster closer collaboration on various fronts, such as maritime domain awareness, coastal surveillance, and efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The two leaders discussed the potential for developing submarine infrastructure and enhancing search and rescue capabilities as part of their maritime security cooperation.
The Indian President also thanked the government of the Philippines for its strong condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam and its solidarity and support for India in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. She reiterated India’s commitment to development cooperation with the Philippines, including the implementation of Quick Impact Projects aimed at directly benefiting the daily lives of local communities. The leaders also discussed joint efforts to combat terrorist financing and enhance cooperation in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.
Both leaders agreed that this visit by the high-level delegation, which includes a business delegation from the Philippines and coincides with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, will help in building a stronger security partnership between India and the Philippines. They emphasized the importance of joint military exercises, training exchanges, and maritime capacity building initiatives to enhance regional security and maintain a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in light of recent aggressive actions by certain regional actors. The possibility of appointing a liaison officer to facilitate closer defense cooperation was also explored.
During the visit, the two countries are expected to sign several bilateral agreements to further strengthen their strategic alignment and cooperation in various sectors. These may include a comprehensive action plan for defense collaboration, economic partnerships, and cultural exchanges. The leaders also discussed the potential for a preferential trade agreement to boost economic ties and enhance maritime connectivity in the region. In the realm of defense technology, the possibility of collaboration on the BrahMos missile system was deliberated upon as a means to strengthen the Philippines’ defense capabilities.
President Murmu hosted a banquet in honor of the visiting leader, where they discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, and technology. Following the meeting, a joint press conference was held to highlight the outcomes of their discussions and reaffirm their commitment to regional stability and prosperity. The leaders touched upon the potential for cooperation in digital transformation, including the development of digital payment systems and the establishment of an information fusion centre for enhanced maritime domain awareness. They also explored the concept of a sovereign data cloud to ensure data security and privacy in bilateral digital initiatives.
The visit underscores the growing importance of India-Philippines relations in the context of the broader Indo-Pacific strategy and their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive region. As both nations continue to strengthen their partnership, they aim to contribute significantly to peace, security, and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region. The leaders also touched upon the potential for cooperation in emerging areas such as space technology and cybersecurity, recognizing the importance of these domains in modern strategic partnerships. By enhancing maritime connectivity and fostering closer ties in various sectors, India and the Philippines are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region.