In a major diplomatic milestone, India and the Philippines have entered a new era of cooperation. The two nations signed 13 significant agreements during the state visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India.
These agreements, covering defence, science, space, tourism, and trade, mark the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Indo-Pacific stability, boosting economic ties, and enhancing people-to-people connectivity.
A Strategic Partnership for a New Era
The visit saw the formal signing of the Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership between India and the Philippines. This historic step aligns both countries on regional security, economic collaboration, and technological innovation.
Along with the declaration, a detailed Plan of Action (2025–2029) was signed, providing a roadmap for shared goals in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes coordinated efforts in maritime security, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy.
Deepening Defence Ties
India and the Philippines expanded military cooperation through Terms of Reference for Air Force, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard dialogues. These institutionalize Air Staff Talks, Army-to-Army Staff Talks, and Navy-to-Navy Talks, laying the groundwork for regular high-level defence consultations.
Additionally, the Terms of Reference for Enhanced Maritime Cooperation between the Indian and Philippine Coast Guards will strengthen joint patrolling and information exchange in regional waters.
Legal and Security Cooperation
To ensure coordinated legal and judicial assistance, two treaties were signed:
- Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
- Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced Persons
These treaties enhance trust and streamline legal cooperation on transnational crimes, human trafficking, and cyber threats.
Science, Technology, and Space Collaboration
In the tech domain, both nations agreed to a Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology (2025–2028). This includes collaboration in AI, biotech, and climate technology.
A landmark Statement of Intent was also signed between ISRO and the Philippine Space Agency for peaceful uses of outer space. This paves the way for joint satellite missions, data sharing, and remote sensing cooperation.
Boost to Tourism and Cultural Exchange
To boost people-to-people engagement, a new Implementation Program on Tourism Cooperation (2025–2028) was signed. This will help in cross-promoting tourism destinations, easing travel, and hosting joint promotional campaigns.
The countries also renewed their Cultural Exchange Programme, which promotes shared heritage, academic exchange, and performing arts collaboration.
Digital and Trade Initiatives
India and the Philippines signed an MoU on Digital Technologies Cooperation. The partnership aims to build secure digital systems, cybersecurity training, and cross-border innovation hubs.
In a major announcement, India will support a pilot project for the Philippines’ Sovereign Data Cloud Infrastructure, enhancing their national data sovereignty.
Further, both nations agreed to begin talks on a Preferential Trade Agreement. This will reduce tariffs and improve market access for goods and services, particularly in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and agri-tech.
Additional Announcements and Milestones
- Gratis e-tourist visas will be provided to Filipino nationals for one year, starting August 2025.
- Invitation to join the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) was extended to the Philippines.
- A joint commemorative stamp will be released to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Shared Vision for the Indo-Pacific
This state visit reflects growing trust between the two democracies. Both India and the Philippines are vital players in the Indo-Pacific, and their enhanced partnership aims to promote peace, stability, and prosperity.
President Marcos Jr. praised India’s global leadership and technological progress. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with ASEAN members to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
Conclusion
The 13 agreements and 5 major announcements from this landmark visit create a solid framework for deeper bilateral relations. From security to space, and culture to commerce — the India-Philippines partnership is poised for a transformative decade.
As both nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties, this visit is not just ceremonial — it’s strategic, sincere, and future-focused.
