Manila: The Philippines and India have agreed to hold more joint maritime exercises, both bilaterally and with other nations, as part of efforts to strengthen security and cooperation in the West Philippine Sea and the wider Indo-Pacific region, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Friday. Speaking to the Philippine media delegation at the conclusion of his five-day state visit to India, President Marcos emphasized New Delhi's commitment to enhancing its presence in the region, marking a strategic shift from an 'Asia-Pacific' to an 'Indo-Pacific' outlook.

According to Philippines News Agency, the President elaborated on India's decision to increase its involvement in the West Philippine Sea, noting, "There is a commitment from India to have a larger profile in terms of the West Philippine Sea. We agreed that we should do more of it. And India has already made the policy decision to have more of a presence in the region." Marcos highlighted that even prior to his departure from Manila, joint exercises had already been conducted between two Indian naval vessels and two Philippine ships. These activities are expected to continue and expand over time.

While maritime security is a primary focus, President Marcos stressed the importance of extending cooperation to other fields such as economic and trade 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," he remarked. This commitment to broader cooperation follows recent bilateral talks between President Marcos and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, which resulted in a strategic partnership agreement encompassing defense, trade, and other sectors.