New Delhi: India and the Philippines formally elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
A joint declaration and a comprehensive Plan of Action for 2025–2029 were unveiled to guide future cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
The visit of the Philippine President saw the signing of 13 key documents, including Terms of Reference for enhanced defence cooperation between the respective air forces, armies, navies and coast guards of both countries.
Two significant treaties, on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, were also signed to strengthen legal and judicial collaboration.
India and the Philippines also deepened cooperation in science, digital technology, and space. A new program was launched for collaboration in science and technology from 2025 to 2028, alongside an MoU on digital technologies.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Philippine Space Agency agreed on peaceful space cooperation through a signed Statement of Intent.
In the area of tourism, both sides signed an Implementation Program for joint promotion from 2025 to 2028. Additionally, a Cultural Exchange Programme was inked to strengthen people-to-people ties.
Several major announcements were made during the visit. India will support the development of a pilot project for the Philippines’ Sovereign Data Cloud Infrastructure. India also invited the Philippines to join the Information Fusion Centre, Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
Furthermore, to boost tourism and ease travel, India will offer gratis e-tourist visas to Filipino nationals for one year starting August 2025.
Both countries also agreed to begin negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement and announced the joint issuance of a commemorative stamp to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
