INDIA - PHILLIPINES RELATIONS – INTERNATIONAL
News: India,
Philippines to explore scope of joint sales, patrols to boost defence
partnership
What's in the news?
● There
is a lot of scope for expansion of defence cooperation between India and the
Philippines, especially in maritime security, including the potential for joint
sales as well as joint patrol.
Key takeaways:
● On
defence cooperation, the key
dialogue was not only in terms of weapons, but cooperation through training
courses, greater military exchanges and in future joint exercises.
● On
economic cooperation, diplomatic
sources said that the two sides discussed improved access to the Philippines
markets.
India - Phillipines Relations:
1. Political relations:
● India
and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations on 26 November
1949, with both nations strengthening their relationship following the Act East Policy.
2. Economic relations:
● Bilateral
trade has increased from 1.89 billion USD in 2015-16 to 2.84 billion USD in
2021-22. Both nations are expanding economic relations to cover collaboration
between the Philippine Space Agency and
the ISRO.
3. Maritime relations:
● Both
nations are committed to the stability and security of a rules-based order in
the Indo-Pacific.
● India
and the Philippines also participate in the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise.
4. Defense relations:
● Both
nations have a growing defense and security partnership with the signing of a
$374-million contract for the procurement by the Philippines’ defense forces of
India’s BrahMos Shore-based Anti-Ship
Missile System & taking part in maritime RIMPAC exercise.
Opportunities for regional cooperation in the
Indo-Pacific:
1. Economic Integration:
● Strengthening
economic integration within the Indo-Pacific region is essential for creating a
robust and interconnected economic ecosystem.
● The
Philippines and India can play active roles in promoting and participating in
initiatives such as the ASEAN Economic
Community, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and
other regional economic forums.
2. Connectivity and Infrastructure Development:
● Collaborative
efforts in developing infrastructure, such as ports, roads, railways, and
digital connectivity, can enhance regional connectivity and support economic
growth.
● The
Philippines and India can engage in infrastructure projects, joint investments,
and partnerships to promote seamless connectivity within the region.
3. Maritime Security and Freedom of Navigation:
● Ensuring
maritime security and upholding freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific is
essential for trade, economic activities, and regional stability.
● Collaborative
initiatives for maritime domain awareness, joint exercises, information-sharing
mechanisms, and adherence to international law, including the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), can strengthen regional security and
stability.
● The
Philippines and India can actively participate in regional security frameworks,
such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), to address common maritime
challenges.
4. Sustainable Development and Climate Change:
● Collaborative
efforts in promoting sustainable development practices, sharing best practices in climate change adaptation and mitigation,
and supporting initiatives for renewable energy and environmental conservation
can contribute to the region's long-term resilience.
● The
Philippines and India can engage in knowledge sharing, capacity-building
programs, and joint initiatives to address these challenges collectively.
5. People-to-People Exchanges and Cultural
Cooperation:
● The
Philippines and India can promote tourism,
cultural exchanges, educational scholarships, and academic collaborations
to deepen connections and promote mutual understanding among the diverse
nations in the region.
6. Rules-based Order and Multilateralism:
● Upholding
the principles of a rules-based order and inclusive multilateralism is crucial
for regional stability and cooperation.
● The
Philippines and India, as advocates for the rule of law, can actively engage in
regional multilateral platforms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the Indian
Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to shape regional norms, promote dialogue, and
address regional challenges collectively.
As
the Philippines-India Joint Commission
on Bilateral Cooperation convenes
for its fifth iteration in New Delhi, the two nations look forward to
meaningful exchanges that will set a firm course for a stronger partnership.
Building upon their nearly 75 years of diplomatic ties and shared values as
democratic Asian republics, the Philippines and India are poised to reinforce
bilateral relations and leverage their common interests to navigate the
challenges and opportunities of the post-pandemic era.