India in Manila hosted a grand reception this week to commemorate the 76th Republic Day of India, an annual celebration marking the adoption of the Indian Constitution.

The year’s event also honored the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines — a milestone reflecting decades of friendship, cooperation and shared aspirations.

The reception gathered dignitaries from the diplomatic community, government officials, business leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora to a blend of tradition and modernity, mirroring the enduring yet evolving partnership between the two nations.

Friendship steeped in history

In his keynote address, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain reflected on India’s remarkable progress since becoming a republic in 1950.

Now one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, India has positioned itself as a leader in various industries, from digital infrastructure and pharmaceuticals to space technology and defense.

The ambassador emphasized India’s goal of becoming Vikshit Bharat — a fully developed nation — by 2047, the centenary of its independence.

He also highlighted the deep historical ties between India and the Philippines, predating formal diplomatic relations.

The influence of Indian culture in the Philippines can be seen in linguistic connections — numerous Tagalog words have Sanskrit roots — and archaeological artifacts such as the Laguna Copperplate Inscription and the golden Agusan Tara statue.

Even the Ramayana finds a local adaptation in the Maranao epic Maharadia Lawana, underscoring centuries-old linkages.

A growing partnership

Over the past 75 years, India and the Philippines have strengthened their relationship across multiple sectors, from trade and investment to defense and technology.

The past year alone saw bilateral trade exceed $3.5 billion, with steady growth in investments between the two nations. India’s expertise in IT and business process management has been particularly beneficial to the Philippines, solidifying a mutually rewarding collaboration.

Defense cooperation has also expanded, with the Philippines becoming the first country to procure India’s BrahMos shore-based anti-ship missile system. As both nations advocate for a free and open Indo-Pacific, their strategic alignment continues to deepen.

In the realm of people-to-people exchanges, recent developments have paved the way for greater connectivity. The Philippines’ introduction of an e-visa scheme for Indian travelers in October 2024 is expected to boost tourism and cultural exchanges, while the anticipated launch of direct flights between the two countries promises to strengthen business and personal ties.

A vision for the future

The celebration also served as a platform to reaffirm the commitment of both nations to further elevate their partnership.

The ambassador referenced Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s remarks at a similar event in New Delhi last year, where he described the 75th anniversary as “both a celebration of what we have achieved and a reminder of what lies ahead.”

With the Philippines assuming the role of India’s country coordinator in ASEAN for 2024–2026, the two nations are poised for even greater collaboration in regional and global affairs.

The presence of an active and influential Indian community in the Philippines further cements this relationship, playing a vital role in strengthening cultural and economic bonds.