This article delves into a recent event of interest in the field of international relations and cooperation, the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between India and the Philippines. The central focus is the exploration of potential avenues for a boost in defense cooperation between the two nations, with particular attention to maritime security.
Key Takeaways from the Recent Meet
The meeting was fruitful and highlighted crucial areas:
Defense Cooperation: Both countries expressed their readiness to enhance defense cooperation by amplifying official-level interactions among defense agencies, opening a resident Defense Attache office in Manila, and considering India’s offer for concessional Line of Credit for meeting Philippines’ defense needs.
Maritime Security: The countries aim to cooperate on maritime domain awareness (MDA), joint patrols, and information exchange. They 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: Talks revolved around expanding cooperation in existing domains, including anti-terrorism and intelligence exchange. Additionally, they explored opportunities in cyber security, artificial intelligence, and space cooperation.
Regional and International Issues: Discussions surrounded various topics of mutual interest, such as China’s growing territorial claims in the South China Sea. Emphasis was placed on peaceful dispute resolution 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-Philippines Relations: An Overview
India and the Philippines are two democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region echoing the significance of a free, open, and stable region. Diplomatic relations were established on 26 November 1949, following the independence of both countries. Intensified relations happened when India’s Look East Policy in 1992 incorporated an intensified partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The relationship took a multi-dimensional turn with the Act East Policy in 2014. Currently, India holds the position of the fifteenth largest trading partner to the Philippines, with bilateral trade worth around USD 3 billion in 2022. In terms of defense, one substantial development is the potential finalization of the BrahMos missile deal co-developed by India and Russia.
Getting Acquainted with the Philippines
The Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago, bordered by the Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and the Celebes Sea. It constitutes 7,641 islands, with Luzon and Mindanao being the major ones. Manila, situated on Luzon Island, is the capital city. The country experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The Philippines is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot and is also part of the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire, with more than 20 active volcanoes.
Past UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
The article concludes by presenting some relevant questions from the previous UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Prelims Q1. ASEAN ‘Free-Trade Partners’ (2018)
Q2. ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ (2016)
Mains: Evaluate economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in post-Cold War international scenario. (2016)