India and the Philippines upgraded their strategic partnership in August 2025. The focus is on defence and maritime cooperation. This comes amid rising security concerns in the Indo-Pacific due to China’s assertiveness. Thirteen agreements were signed, including three in defence. The partnership aims to uphold peace, security, and a rules-based order in the region.
of the Partnership
The announcement followed talks between Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. India became the fifth strategic partner of the Philippines. Both leaders emphasised collaboration for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The partnership covers maritime security, counter-terrorism, supply chain resilience, and food security.
Defence and Maritime Cooperation
The two countries agreed to deepen defence ties through service-to-service talks, information sharing, and training exchanges. Joint naval exercises were conducted in the South China Sea for the first time. Plans include enhancing naval and Coast Guard interoperability with more port calls. Discussions are underway on submarine infrastructure, training, and ship design support for the Philippines.
Legal and Security Frameworks
India and the Philippines reaffirmed respect for international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They acknowledged the 2016 Arbitral Award in favour of the Philippines on the South China Sea dispute. India’s support for this ruling marks a shift from its earlier neutral stance. Both countries oppose any disruption to lawful commerce in international waters.
Economic and Trade Relations
Formal negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) were launched. The goal is to expand bilateral trade, currently valued at $3.3 billion. Enhanced economic ties complement the strategic and defence partnership. This agreement is expected to boost trade and investment flows between the two democracies.
Geopolitical Implications
China criticised the joint naval exercises and the partnership. It urged disputes to be resolved through direct negotiation without third-party involvement. China’s Ministry of National Defense labelled the Philippines as a source of trouble for aligning with foreign powers. India and the Philippines view their cooperation as a counterbalance to China’s regional assertiveness.
Military Modernisation and Technology Transfer
The Philippines is acquiring BrahMos cruise missiles from India, with two out of three batches delivered. This marks step in Philippine defence modernisation. Both sides agreed to intensify dialogue on military technology and capability development. The partnership includes support for the Philippines’ naval modernisation efforts.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of strategic partnerships in maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Examine the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in resolving maritime disputes in Asia and its impact on regional geopolitics.
- Analyse the challenges and opportunities in India’s foreign policy towards Southeast Asia with reference to defence and economic cooperation.
- Estimate the effects of military modernisation and technology transfers on the security dynamics between India, the Philippines, and China in the Indo-Pacific.
