Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Begins Historic Visit to India
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has embarked on a significant five-day state visit to India, aiming to bolster defense, trade, and maritime cooperation. This visit marks his first official trip to India since taking office in 2022 and coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Key discussions are expected to focus on defense agreements, including the purchase of BrahMos missiles, and joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea. The visit also highlights the growing economic ties, with bilateral trade surpassing $3 billion. As both countries navigate regional security challenges, this partnership is poised to enhance stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
| Aug 4, 2025, 17:38 IST
Philippines President's Official Visit to India
Today, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines arrived in India for a five-day state visit aimed at strengthening defense, trade, and maritime cooperation between the two nations. This marks Marcos Jr.'s inaugural official trip to India since he took office in 2022. The visit coincides with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and India, adding significant symbolic value to the occasion. Marcos Jr. met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi today, with a meeting scheduled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.
Defense Cooperation and Military Purchases
The Philippines has become the first country to purchase the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from India, with the initial shipment expected to arrive in Manila by April 2024. During the proposed bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Marcos on August 5, further defense agreements are anticipated. Reports indicate that the Philippines is keen on acquiring more defense equipment from India, which will not only enhance bilateral relations but also contribute to security in the Indo-Pacific region. According to the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Romeo Bronner, the quality and affordability of Indian weapon systems have impressed them. Amid China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, the Philippines has begun prioritizing its strategic partnership with India, which is also a crucial part of India's 'Vision Ocean' and Indo-Pacific strategy.
Historical Ties and Cultural Connections
Diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines were established in November 1949. The relationship gained new momentum with India's Look East Policy in 1992 and later the Act East Policy. Cooperation on ASEAN platforms has further strengthened this partnership. Recent meetings, including the ASEAN-India Summit in Laos in October 2024 and discussions in Jakarta in 2023, are evidence of ongoing dialogue. Historically, cultural ties between India and the Philippines have been deep-rooted, with many Sanskrit-derived words found in the Tagalog language, and archaeological evidence like the Laguna Copperplate Inscription and the Agusan Tara statue attesting to centuries-old cultural exchanges.
High-Level Delegation and Economic Opportunities
Accompanying President Marcos are his wife Louise Araneta Marcos, cabinet ministers, senior officials, and business representatives. This high-level delegation aims to explore new opportunities in bilateral trade and investment. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, President Marcos's visit is expected to add a new dimension to the strategic partnership, focusing on maritime security, defense production, and regional stability. After the events in New Delhi, President Marcos will also visit Bengaluru, recognized as India's hub for technology and innovation, which could enhance technical cooperation and startup innovation between the two countries.
Joint Maritime Patrols and Regional Security
India and the Philippines are set to conduct a joint patrol in the South China Sea this week, signaling their intent to collaboratively challenge China's assertiveness in the maritime domain. The upcoming Modi-Marcos meeting occurs at a time when both India and China are attempting to mend their bilateral relations. It will be interesting to see how the South China Sea issue is addressed during these discussions. In 2023, India urged China to comply with the 2016 international tribunal ruling that dismissed China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.
Expanding Defense and Trade Relations
India is not only supplying defense equipment but is also proposing a concessional line of credit to meet the Philippines' defense needs. Plans are underway to expand joint training and exercises focused on maritime security. Additionally, trade relations between India and the Philippines are strengthening, with bilateral trade surpassing $3 billion in 2022-2023. Both nations have agreed to initiate discussions on a bilateral trade agreement, which could shield them from the trade war policies of the United States, which impose tariffs of 25% on India and 19% on the Philippines.
Future Agreements and Collaborative Projects
During the talks on Tuesday, it is expected that six agreements covering diverse fields such as science, law, and culture will be signed between the leadership of both countries. Furthermore, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that India is implementing six Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the Philippines in areas like agriculture, disaster management, healthcare, and livelihood support, under an agreement signed in 2023.
A New Era in India-Philippines Relations
Overall, the relationship between India and the Philippines, which has been relatively less active until now, is entering a new phase characterized by geopolitical alignment, maritime security, and enhanced cooperation through defense equipment. This collaboration is not only beneficial for both democratic nations but also represents a crucial step towards stability and security in the entire Indo-Pacific region.