In a significant diplomatic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr met at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, to reaffirm the deepening partnership between India and the Philippines.
Marking the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, both leaders spoke of centuries-old cultural links and a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific.
Describing the two countries as ‘friends by choice and partners by destiny’, PM Modi highlighted the strong civilizational and people-to-people connections.
He cited the Ramayana version in the Philippines, Maharadia Lawana, as a symbol of their enduring cultural ties.
The two nations signed several agreements, including those on mutual legal assistance and the transfer of sentenced persons, to enhance security collaboration.
India welcomed the Philippines’ decision to offer visa-free entry to Indian tourists, and in return, India announced free e-visa facilities for Philippine citizens.
PM Modi further proposed direct flights between Delhi and Manila, aiming to strengthen tourism and business exchanges.
Both leaders agreed to elevate ties to a strategic partnership, a major diplomatic upgrade.
PM Modi stated that defence cooperation and maritime security were ‘natural and necessary’ areas for collaboration between the two maritime nations.
He also announced India’s decision to increase the number of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the Philippines.
Further cooperation is planned in the space sector, including agreements on space collaboration and sovereign data cloud infrastructure, reflecting growing technological ties.
PM Modi expressed satisfaction over the growing bilateral trade, which has surpassed $3 billion, and confirmed that both countries would work towards a Bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement.
He also called for an early review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.
Supporting the Philippines’ upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN, PM Modi underscored India’s commitment to peace, security, and a rules-based Indo-Pacific. He also reaffirmed India’s dedication to freedom of navigation in the region, aligned with international law.
Highlighting mutual interests in digital technology, health, infrastructure, and AI, the leaders committed to advancing joint research and technological collaboration.
The Science and Technology Cooperation Plan was finalised to facilitate this growth.
Earlier in the day, President Marcos Jr received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and later visited Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
His five-day visit to India includes engagements in Bengaluru to explore the tech ecosystem before returning to Manila.
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