PM Modi Calls for Strengthened Defence and Maritime Cooperation with Philippines; 14 MoUs Signed to Deepen Strategic Partnership

In a landmark move to bolster bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. jointly emphasized the importance of enhancing defence and maritime cooperation during Marcos’ first state visit to India from August 4-8, 2025. The visit marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and witnessed the signing of 14 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across key sectors, underscoring a new era of strategic collaboration.

 

Key Highlights: Strengthening Defence and Maritime Linkages

 

India and the Philippines exchanged MoUs formalizing cooperation between their defence forces, coast guards, and maritime agencies, focusing on enhanced joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and capacity building.

 

A dedicated MoU on Terms of Reference was signed for Army-to-Army, Navy-to-Navy, and Air Force-to-Air Force Staff Talks to institutionalize continuous dialogue and coordination.

 

Maritime cooperation received special emphasis given regional security dynamics, with an MoU signed to advance joint patrols, coordinated response mechanisms, and shared maritime domain awareness.

 

Both countries recently conducted their inaugural joint naval exercise in the strategically sensitive South China Sea, signaling a shared commitment to maritime security and freedom of navigation.

 

Expanding Strategic Partnership Across Sectors

 

The 14 MoUs span diverse areas including science and technology, digital technologies, space cooperation, tourism, cultural exchange, and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

 

An MoU between the Department of Science and Technology of both countries sets a collaborative framework for research and development from 2025 to 2028.

 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Philippine Space Agency signed a Statement of Intent for cooperation on peaceful use of outer space, promoting exchange of technology and knowledge.

 

Cooperation in digital technologies aims to boost innovation ecosystems and digital economies in line with vision for a digital India and a progressively tech-savvy Philippines.

 

Tourism collaboration was formalized with a program to enhance joint initiatives, exchange marketing strategies, and promote people-to-people contact, vital for cultural and economic integration.

 

Trade and Connectivity Initiatives

 

India and the Philippines adopted the Terms of Reference for negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement, designed to resolve tariffs and non-tariff barriers to enhance bilateral trade, currently valued at over $3 billion.

 

Announcements included the launch of direct flights between Delhi and Manila within 2025, projected to significantly ease travel and foster greater business and cultural exchanges.

 

Mutual Legal Assistance and Justice Cooperation

 

Two treaties signed include a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and a Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced Persons, strengthening judicial cooperation and facilitating cross-border crime investigations and prisoner exchanges.

 

High-Level Leadership Engagement

 

PM Modi and President Marcos shared a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan where Marcos paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, reflecting the respect underpinning bilateral ties.

 

Both leaders highlighted India-Philippines friendship as “not just a friendship of the past, but a promise to the future” united by shared democratic values and mutual interests in Indo-Pacific stability.

 

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and other senior officials engaged in dialogues to operationalize agreements and further diplomatic engagements.

 

Geopolitical Context and Regional Significance

 

The reinforced India-Philippines partnership is set against the backdrop of rising challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including assertive posturing by China in disputed waters.

 

Joint naval collaboration and maritime domain integration send a strong message of strategic solidarity and peaceful regional security architecture.

 

The partnership extends India’s ‘Act East’ policy, strengthening ties with ASEAN and enhancing its footprint in Southeast Asia’s economic and security landscape.

 

Looking Ahead: Implementation and Prospects

 

The MoUs include action plans covering 2025-2029, with mechanisms for progress reviews, collaborative research, enhanced exchanges, and integrated policy planning.

 

Both nations are committed to deepening cooperation in emerging sectors such as fintech, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.

 

Focus will remain on inclusive, sustainable growth while reinforcing democratic governance models and multilateral cooperation.

 

Conclusion

 

The state visit of President Marcos and the signing of 14 comprehensive MoUs signify a transformative chapter in India-Philippines relations. Embodying a multi-dimensional strategic partnership, this enhanced cooperation framework promises mutual benefits in defence, maritime security, technology, trade, and culture. Through sustained engagement and shared vision, India and the Philippines are set to build a resilient partnership contributing to vibrant regional stability and prosperity.

 

Sources: NDTV Profit, Times of Oman