Editorial 2: ​​Mending ties

Context

There is a growing willingness from both India and the Philippines to enhance their relationship.

Introduction

The state visit of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India marked a significant shift in India-Philippines ties, as both nations elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. Against the backdrop of growing Indo-Pacific tensions, the visit highlighted India’s intent to expand its defence cooperation, assert its maritime stance, and deepen diplomatic engagement with Southeast Asia.

Strategic and Defence Alignment Gains Prominence

• Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. concluded his first state visit to India since assuming office in 2022.
• The visit culminated in the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement with India, giving a hard power edgeto bilateral ties.
• Marcos has taken a firm stance against Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea, aligning with India’s Indo-Pacific stance.
• Joint Naval Exercises:
  • For the first time, the Indian Navy conducted joint maritime exercises with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea.
  • The drills attracted criticism from China, highlighting the growing India-Philippines alignment.
• India reiterated support for the 2016 UNCLOS Tribunal ruling, strengthening its advocacy for a rules-based Indo-Pacific.
• The Philippines appreciated India’s consistent diplomatic backing.

Elevating Defence and Military Cooperation

• The Philippines becomes India’s fifth Strategic Partner, after:
  • Japan
  • Vietnam
  • Australia
  • South Korea

Diplomatic Reset and ASEAN Ties

• The Philippines will be ASEAN Chair in 2026 and is the coordinator for the ASEAN-India strategic partnership.
• The invitation to Marcos was seen as a step to repair tensions caused by:
  • Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s abrasive June remarks, where he termed some ASEAN countries the “B-team of China.”
• India is now expediting talks to revise AITIGA (ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement).
• Separate discussions have started on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between India and the Philippines.

Trade and Connectivity: Still Evolving

• Though trade remains modest, private sector collaborations are expanding.

Larger Geopolitical Implications

• The visit sends a strong signal of India’s active outreach in South East Asia beyond the Quad framework.
• It reflects India’s commitment to:
  • Peace and security in the Indo-Pacific
  • Strengthening multi-alignment strategies
  • Engaging with regional players, not just big powers
• The Marcos visit underscores the convergence of interests between New Delhi and Manila in light of regional tensions.

Conclusion

President Marcos’s visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to a rules-based Indo-Pacific, beyond just the Quad alliance. With closer military cooperation, emerging trade links, and efforts to reset ASEAN ties, India signals a calibrated yet firm approach to regional diplomacy. The Strategic Partnership with the Philippines serves as a timely reminder of India’s expanding influence in a multipolar Asia.