Philippines, India seek stronger maritime security, defense ties
The Philippines and India have agreed to strengthen defense cooperation, focusing on maritime security, military modernization, cybersecurity and intelligence sharing.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday, 28 October, on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu.
The meeting built on the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s state visit to India in August 2025.
Singh reaffirmed India's support for ASEAN centrality and freedom of navigation, emphasizing the importance of upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
He also cited the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026 and the successful conduct of the second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise in Subic in September.
The Indian defense chief highlighted progress in the BrahMos missile project under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
The Philippines has acquired the Indian-made BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system to strengthen its coastal defense capabilities.
Singh also cited reciprocal ship visits, military staff talks and the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism as examples of expanding defense cooperation.
Meanwhile, Teodoro thanked India for assisting Filipinos in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf.
He underscored the need to expand the Philippine Defense Attaché's Office in India to strengthen engagement with Indian defense institutions and military services.
Teodoro also committed to facilitating the deployment of a Philippine liaison officer to India's Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region to improve maritime information sharing.
Both officials discussed opportunities for closer cooperation in space technology, cybersecurity and other areas of mutual interest.
Beyond defense, Teodoro emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties and diversifying Philippine supply chains, identifying India as a potential alternative source of essential commodities.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding practical cooperation under their Strategic Partnership to support regional peace and stability.