The Philippines and India on Tuesday deepened their diplomatic and strategic ties with the signing of a landmark Strategic Partnership Declaration and the exchange of 11 bilateral agreements spanning defense, security, science, tourism, and technology.
The ceremony, held in New Delhi as part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s five-day state visit to India, showcased a broad commitment to long-term collaboration between the two countries.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar led the exchange of the Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership and the Plan of Action for 2025-2029, marking a new chapter in Indo-Philippine relations.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Jaishankar exchanged three Terms of Reference (TOR) covering Air Force, Army, and Navy staff talks, institutionalizing military dialogues between both nations.
In the justice sector, Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Jaishankar exchanged two treaties: one on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, and another on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
Science and Technology Secretaries Renato Solidum Jr. and Pabitra Margherita exchanged a Program of Cooperation in Science and Technology for 2025–2028, while a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Digital Technologies was also signed.
Space cooperation was formalized through a Statement of Intent between the Indian Space Research Organization and the Philippine Space Agency on the peaceful uses of outer space.
The two countries also signed a TOR on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation between their coast guards, represented by Admiral Ronnie Gavan (Philippine Coast Guard) and Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Tourism Secretaries Christina Frasco and Pabitra Margherita signed an Implementation Program on Tourism Cooperation for 2025–2028, while cultural cooperation was reinforced through a Cultural Exchange Program signed by Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chairman Victorino Manalo.
To cap the ceremony, both governments jointly released commemorative postage stamps to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines. The release was conducted virtually by the two leaders, symbolizing the long-standing friendship between the nations.
President Marcos is in India to strengthen ties amid growing regional security cooperation and rising trade prospects in the Indo-Pacific.
Editor’s Note: Previous edition of this story misspelled the name of Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Magherita. This has been corrected.
