New Delhi [India], August 5 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the enduring connection between India and the Philippines, describing the two nations as “friends by choice and partners by destiny.” Speaking at a joint press meeting in New Delhi, PM Modi said, “From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, we are united by shared values. Ours is not just a friendship of the past; it is a promise to the future.”
Highlighting the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, PM Modi noted, “Our diplomatic relations might be new, but the connection between our cultures is very ancient. The Philippines’ Ramayana—Maharadia Lawana—is living proof of our centuries-old cultural ties.”
Reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral ties, PM Modi emphasized the Philippines’ significance in India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision. “In our Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision, the Philippines is an important partner. We are committed to peace, security, prosperity, and rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific Region. We support freedom of navigation as per international laws,” he said.
PM Modi also expressed India’s support for the Philippines’ upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN. “Next year, the Philippines will chair ASEAN. For its success, we will extend full cooperation,” he said after holding delegation-level talks with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.
“Dialogues at every level and cooperation in every sector have been the identity of our relations for a long time now,” he added.
The two leaders discussed various areas of cooperation, including regional and international issues, and announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. “Today, the President and I held a detailed discussion on cooperation, regional issues, and international situations. This is a matter of joy that today we have decided to elevate our relations to a strategic partnership,” PM Modi said.
An extensive action plan has been formed to implement this strategic partnership. “To convert the potential of this partnership into results, an extensive action plan has been formed,” PM Modi stated.
He noted that bilateral trade has already surpassed USD 3 billion and is steadily growing. “Our bilateral trade is increasing continuously and has crossed the figure of 3 billion dollars,” he said.
“To further strengthen this, it will be our priority to complete the review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement at the earliest. We have also decided to work toward a Bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement,” PM Modi added.
India and the Philippines are also enhancing collaboration in agriculture, technology, and defense. PM Modi highlighted the work of the International Rice Research Institute’s regional center in Varanasi on developing ultra-low glycemic index rice, combining health benefits with local taste preferences.
Furthering development cooperation, India plans to increase the number of Quick Impact Projects in the Philippines. “I am happy to tell you that under the development partnership, we will increase the number of Quick Impact Projects in the Philippines,” he said.
India will also assist the Philippines in developing sovereign data cloud infrastructure. “In the Philippines, we will also cooperate in the development of sovereign data cloud infrastructure,” PM Modi added.
Bilateral cooperation is now expanding into space as well. “We have a strong cooperation on land. Now we have started preparing for space too. For this, an agreement has been signed today,” he said.
Defense ties between the two nations are also strengthening, with PM Modi emphasizing maritime cooperation. “The ever-strengthening defense ties are the symbol of deepening mutual trust. As maritime nations, maritime cooperation between the two countries is natural and necessary,” he stated.
To demonstrate this growing collaboration, three Indian Navy ships, including a hydrography vessel, are participating in a naval exercise in the Philippines for the first time. “Today, when the President is in India, for the first time, three ships of the Indian Navy are participating in a naval exercise in the Philippines. India’s hydrography ship has also joined them,” PM Modi said.
Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged in the presence of both leaders. Earlier in the day, President Marcos Jr. was welcomed with a ceremonial Guard of Honor at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “A special welcome for a special partner! President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, on his maiden State Visit to India, was welcomed by a Guard of Honour & ceremonial welcome. Warmly greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.”
Rashtrapati Bhavan also posted on X, stating, “President Droupadi Murmu accorded a ceremonial welcome to Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines at Rashtrapati Bhavan.”
Speaking to the media, President Marcos Jr. remarked that what was once referred to as the Asia Pacific Region is now widely recognized as the Indo-Pacific Region. “Indo-Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the alliance between India and the Philippines during his address at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
On Monday, President Marcos Jr. held talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as part of his five-day state visit to India. This marks the first official visit to India by a Philippine President since Marcos Jr. assumed office in 2022. His visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
President Marcos Jr. is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several cabinet ministers. The Philippine delegation is in India from August 4 to 8. (ANI)
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