Phl, India solidify ties anew

Phl, India solidify ties anew | Daily Tribune

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has lauded the deepening defense and diplomatic ties between the Philippines and India, highlighting their shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Año’s remarks came during a reception aboard the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Shakti, docked in Manila as part of a goodwill port call.

“This visit is more than ceremonial,” Año said in his keynote address. “It is symbolic of our growing maritime cooperation, mutual trust, and shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”

The reception, hosted by Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain and Indian Navy Vice Adm. Rajesh Pendharkar, marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Año expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy for its presence and praised the “valiance, dedication, and professionalism” of its personnel and stressed that the burgeoning defense cooperation is built on shared democratic values and a commitment to upholding international law, particularly in maintaining regional peace and order.

“Our strategic partnership can become a formidable posture in resisting any unilateral attempts to undermine, weaken, or change generally accepted norms and principles of a rules-based international order, endangering regional peace, stability, and prosperity,” Año said.

The Philippines and India are currently engaged in 13 bilateral mechanisms and 39 agreements covering various areas, including trade, investment, health, science and technology, energy, education and defense. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $8.5 billion, with India ranking as the Philippines’ 14th largest trading partner and 12th biggest source of tourist arrivals.

Defense and security efforts have become key pillars of the partnership, Año noted. He cited the Joint Defense Cooperation Committee, established under the 2006 Philippine-India Defense Cooperation Agreement, as a facilitator for exchanges and assessments of current defense ties and potential areas of collaboration.

A significant development in this cooperation was the 2022 acquisition of the BrahMos shore-based anti-ship missile system for the Philippine Navy through a government-to-government deal, which included training and logistics support. Año also highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen naval and coast guard cooperation through joint training, information-sharing, education exchanges and high-level visits.

India, as a member of the Quad, has consistently backed a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, advocating for the peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Año commended the Indian Navy’s role in supporting these principles and for being a steadfast partner in promoting maritime security.

“With their presence, strong commitment, and our continued partnerships, we now have another strong and important ally as we advance our collective pursuit of a stable, just, and rule-based maritime order,” he said.

Año encouraged close collaboration between the Indian and Philippine navies during the port visit, stressing the importance of using such engagements to elevate strategic cooperation.

Meantime, President Marcos Jr. is scheduled to visit India from 4 to 8 August at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Department of Foreign Affairs anticipates wide-ranging discussions during the visit.

Assistant Secretary Evangeline Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq of the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs, in a Palace briefing, said six agreements are expected to be concluded during the visit, covering areas such as law, culture, and science and technology.

Ducrocq stressed that boosting maritime cooperation activities is a key part of the Philippines’ growing relationship with India, adding that the Philippines looks forward to deepening and expanding its relationship in this area.

When asked about the possibility of a reciprocal access agreement with India, Ducrocq stated, “There are no talks on this matter for now.”

The purpose of the visit is to “further strengthen the Philippines-India partnership to proactively engage India in all aspects of the relations and seize opportunities for greater security, economic, science and technology, and people-to-people cooperation,” Ducrocq said.

Highlights of the President’s visit include stops in New Delhi and Bangalore.