India-Philippines Strategic Partnership
India and the Philippines have signed nine agreements, establishing a strategic partnership focused on defense, maritime cooperation, and peaceful space exploration.
Key Agreements and Cooperation Areas
- Maritime Cooperation: Essential for nations with seafaring traditions, highlighted by joint naval exercises near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
- Outer Space Cooperation: Emphasis on peaceful use of outer space.
- Submarine Infrastructure: Ongoing discussions on developing this infrastructure in the Philippines.
Trade and Economic Relations
- Bilateral Trade: Growing steadily, recently crossing $3 billion.
- Trade Agreements: Plans to review the India-ASEAN free trade agreement and work towards a bilateral preferential trade agreement.
- Tourism: India offers a one-year, gratis e-tourist visa facility to Filipino nationals.
Defense and Security
- Defense Collaboration: Focus on naval and coast guard interoperability and capacity building.
- Weapons Procurement: The Philippines considered further acquisitions from India, having already procured BrahMos anti-ship missile systems.
- Military Modernization: India's defense manufacturing capabilities could aid the Philippines' military modernization.
Geopolitical Context
- Indo-Pacific Concerns: Both nations share concerns over China's assertiveness in the region.
- Act East Policy: The Philippines is a key partner in India's Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision.
- Peace and Security Commitment: Emphasis on peace, security, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, supporting freedom of navigation.
Development and Technological Collaboration
- Quick Impact Projects: Expansion planned under India’s development partnership initiative.
- Sovereign Data Cloud Infrastructure: Joint collaboration in development.
- Indian Companies in the Philippines: Engagement across sectors such as digital technology, health, automotive, infrastructure, and minerals.
