Jaishankar, Philippines President Review Strategic Ties

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila to review the India–Philippines Strategic Partnership, deepen cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, and support stronger Indo-Pacific collaboration.

The External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines in Manila during his official visit to participate in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings. It reiterated India’s resolve to work towards the strengthening of the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership. In this meeting, the minister conveyed the regards of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the Indian government's goodwill towards the Philippines’ Chairship of ASEAN.

The leadership considered the progress achieved through the India-Philippines Plan of Action 2025–2029, which acts as the guiding document for strengthening bilateral engagements. It was noted that there has been further diversification in the cooperation between the two countries with major progress having been made in trade, investments, defense, maritime security, digitalization, education, health, capacity building, and development partnerships.

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"Economic cooperation was one of the key topics discussed. India and the Philippines examined ways of increasing their bilateral cooperation in terms of enhancing trade and investments and promoting business-to-business cooperation in areas such as fintech, pharma, infrastructure, and information technology." Both the countries also realised that the need of the hour was to create innovation-led partnerships to promote sustainable economic growth."

Issues of maritime cooperation and regional security also figured prominently on the agenda. In light of developments taking place in the Indo-Pacific region, the two nations explored avenues for closer cooperation in the fields of maritime security, capacity development, and defense cooperation. India restated its commitment to an open, inclusive, and rule-based Indo-Pacific, where international law is respected and upheld. These discussions were indicative of the common interests of both the nations in ensuring peace, stability, and secure sea lines of communication in the region.

The bilateral discussion between Jaishankar and President Marcos came after Jaishankar's discussion with the Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro,  where both discussed the Strategic Partnership and cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, higher education, maritime affairs, fintech, and critical infrastructure. The string of high-level discussions shows the increasing dynamism in India–Philippines relations and the dedication of both nations to expand their cooperation.

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It is part of India’s larger approach toward ASEAN and underlines the continued focus of India on building partnerships in Southeast Asia through its Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Strategy. Through deepening political dialogue, economic cooperation, and strategic coordination, India and the Philippines are preparing their partnership to meet new challenges in the region. The talks will help bring new impetus to bilateral relations and help bring more stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.