President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday thanked India for rescuing Filipino seafarers during a Houthi rebel attack in 2024, underscoring the importance of maritime safety and security especially for Filipino seafarers navigating key sea lanes.
“Safe navigation and security are important, especially for Filipino seafarers who are on almost every ship plying these historic and strategic sea lanes,” President Marcos said during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 5 at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
“I again thank the Indian people and the brave men and women of the Indian Navy, through Prime Minister Modi, for your kind rescue of our nationals in 2024 after a Houthi rebel attack,” the President said.
In March last year, during a courtesy call of Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Malacañang, President Marcos extended the country’s appreciation for the Indian Navy’s rescue and assistance to the Filipino crew members of the MV True Confidence that was attacked in the Gulf of Aden earlier that month.
President Marcos also said the newly launched Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and India will have a far-reaching impact beyond bilateral ties.
“We recognize India’s influence as a first responder role in this critical area, and we want to work with you for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said the President.
“We both have high stakes in the future with our Indo-Pacific region and in the world. The Philippines-India strategic partnership will doubtless resonate beyond the confines of our bilateral relationship,” President Marcos added.
