Recently, 5th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation was convened, between Indian External Affairs Minister and his Philippines counterpart.India and the Philippines are exploring various avenues to enhance their defence cooperation, with a particular emphasis on maritime security.
Major Highlights of the Meet
- Defense Cooperation: Both Ministers expressed keen interest to continue to work together on defense cooperation, including through the regular or upgraded official-level interaction among defense agencies, opening of a resident Defense Attache office in Manila, consideration of India’s offer for concessional Line of Credit to meet Philippines’ defense requirements.
- Maritime Security: Both countries aim to cooperate on maritime domain awareness (MDA), joint patrols, and information exchange to enhance MDA capabilities.Emphasizing the utility of MDA, the Ministers called for the early operationalization of the standard operating procedure for the White Shipping Agreement between the Indian Navy and the Philippines Coast Guard.
- Cyber Security Cooperation: Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in existing domains, including anti-terrorism measures and intelligence exchange. Both countries explored avenues for collaboration in cyber security, artificial intelligence, and space cooperation.
- Regional and International Issues: The Ministers engaged in wide-ranging discussions on regional and international issues of mutual interest for e.g., China’s growing assertiveness and territorial claims in the South China Sea.Emphasizing the need for a peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.
India’s Relations with Philippines
- India and the Philippines are two democratic countries in the Indo-Pacific region that share common approach towards the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of a free, open, and stable region.
- Political Relations: India and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations on 26 November 1949, shortly after both countries gained independence. (Philippines in 1946 and India in 1947).When India launched Look East Policy and intensified partnership with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1992, it also resulted in intensified relations with the Philippines both bilaterally and in the regional context.With the Act East Policy (2014), the relationship with the Philippines has diversified further into political-security; trade and industry, etc.
- Economic Relations: India is currently the Philippines’ fifteenth largest trading partner, with trade worth approximately USD 3 billion in the 2022.Also, Philippines has been a net importer in goods trade with India.
- Defence Cooperation: India and the Philippines have a growing defense and security partnership. One of the most significant developments in defence cooperation between India and the Philippines is the BrahMos missile deal, which is expected to be finalised soon.The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile co-developed by India and Russia, which can be launched from land, sea or air platforms.