GS2 – International Relations
Context:
India and the Philippines have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties (established in 1949) and setting the stage for deeper collaboration in defence, economy, and Indo-Pacific security.
Nature of the Partnership:
A strategic partnership encompasses long-term cooperation in political, defence, economic, and cultural domains. The 2025–2029 Plan of Action outlines engagement across 14 thematic areas, guided by the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation.
Major Areas of Cooperation:
- Defence: BrahMos missile exports and naval platform collaborations to boost interoperability.
- Maritime Security: Joint efforts in the South China Sea, based on shared navigation principles.
- Economic Ties: Growing trade and negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
- Digital Cooperation: Support for data sovereignty and fintech security in the Philippines.
- Science & Technology: Joint initiatives in space exploration and innovation.
- Connectivity: Plans for direct air links and enhanced digital connectivity.
- Consular Services: Simplified visa regimes and legal cooperation frameworks.
- Cultural & People-to-People Links: Strengthening diaspora engagement and cultural diplomacy.
Convergences in Relations:
- China Factor: Common stance against China’s assertive maritime activities.
- Indo-Pacific Vision: Commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
- Defence Synergy: Collaboration in defence manufacturing and maritime patrols.
- Democratic Alignment: Shared values of rule of law, pluralism, and constitutional governance.
- Multilateralism: Similar positions on UNCLOS, WTO reforms, ASEAN centrality, and South–South cooperation.
Challenges and Divergences:
- Trade Gap: Bilateral trade remains below potential.
- China Balancing: The Philippines hedges relations with China while engaging India.
- Small Indian Diaspora: Limited community presence compared to other ASEAN countries.
- Institutional Delay: Past lack of structured mechanisms slowed cooperation.
- ASEAN Priority: Philippines often prioritises regional consensus over bilateral defence assertiveness.
Historical Background:
- 1949: Diplomatic relations established, making the Philippines one of India’s earliest Southeast Asian partners.
- Cold War Era: Limited engagement due to differing global alignments.
- Post-1991: India’s Look East Policy revitalised ties.
- 1952: Treaty of Friendship formalised cooperation.
- Post-2020: Rapid expansion in defence and strategic dialogue.
India’s Approach Towards the Philippines:
- Act East Policy: Philippines as a major partner in Indo-Pacific engagement.
- Defence Exports: Supplying BrahMos and naval assets to strengthen maritime capabilities.
- MAHASAGAR Initiative: Inclusion in India’s maritime cooperation framework.
- Capacity Building: Training under ITEC in cybersecurity, disaster response, health, and governance.
- Credit Lines: Concessional finance for defence and digital projects.
- Soft Power: Scholarships, cultural exchange, and promotion of Buddhist heritage.