New delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reaffirmed India's solidarity with the Philippines in upholding peace and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, declaring the two countries as 'friends by choice and partners by destiny' as they officially elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. Modi made the remarks in a joint press statement with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Hyderabad House following their bilateral meeting, the highlight of Marcos' five-day state visit to India.
According to Philippines News Agency, the launch of the Strategic Partnership signifies a significant step in deepening cooperation in defense, maritime security, trade, and emerging technologies. This development comes amid growing security tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese vessels continue to harass Philippine ships within Manila's exclusive economic zone. Modi emphasized that maritime cooperation between the two countries is both natural and necessary due to their status as maritime nations.
The Indian leader highlighted the collaboration between the two countries in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations. Recently, the Philippines and India conducted their first joint sail and naval exercises in the disputed South China Sea, an area critical to both countries and claimed entirely by China. Modi noted that the Philippines is an important partner in India's Act East Policy and 'MAHASAGAR' vision, reiterating commitment to peace, security, prosperity, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Modi also underscored the importance of freedom of navigation in accordance with international laws and expressed India's support for the Philippines' position, including adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). India has consistently backed the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims over the South China Sea, a verdict upheld by Manila but ignored by Beijing.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of several bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening interoperability and strategic resilience, including pacts on defense, space cooperation, mutual legal assistance, scientific research, and cybersecurity infrastructure. Modi announced that India would offer free e-visa access to Filipino tourists, reciprocating the Philippines' visa-free entry for Indian nationals, to enhance people-to-people ties. Additionally, both countries aim to restart direct flights between Manila and Delhi within the year.
India now joins the ranks of the United States, Japan, Australia, and South Korea as one of the five countries with which the Philippines has a Strategic Partnership. This milestone coincides with the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines, marked by the release of a commemorative postage stamp by the two leaders.
