BENGALURU, India – To promote a free, open, and more inclusive Indo-Pacific region, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said India has committed to joining military exercises in the area.

During the Kapihan interview with the Philippine media delegation, Marcos said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the policy decision to increase India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific.

He added that he suggested all countries in the region join military exercises as one body.

“Kaya lahat ng lahat ng bansa na pumapaligid sa Indo-Pacific kasama sa area na yan, ay dapat talagang magkaroon ng mga kooperasyon in many ways (All the countries surrounding the Indo-Pacific, including those in that area, should really have cooperation in many ways),” he said.

Marcos noted that Indo-Pacific cooperation should not be limited to defense and security, emphasizing the role of the economy in strengthening these sectors.

“Defense and security is only one dimension to the entire problem. So, we try to focus on everything, not just one aspect of the situation. We have committed to more exercises together, and not only bilaterally, but also, of course, multilaterally with other countries,” he added.

Prior to his trip to India for a five-day state visit, warships from the Indian Navy — INS Delhi, INS Kiltan, INS Shakti, and INS Sandhayak — participated in a joint maritime exercise with the Philippine military.