Promoting strategic ties with India is among PH foreign policy priorities

Philippine-India relations are of vital strategic importance in 2026 because they provide a strong diplomatic and defense hedge against rising maritime tensions in the South China Sea while building secure technology supply chains through the US-led Pax Silica coalition.

It is in this context that the current visit to India of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. must be viewed. He is joining other regional leaders, such as Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, whose countries are BRICS partners. BRICS is the coalition formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to promote strategic alliances that is now marking its 20th year.

Presenting the imperatives guiding ASEAN is also part of President Marcos’ agenda in view of the Philippines’ chairship at the forthcoming summit in Manila this November.

“We will call for fairer global governance, stronger disaster preparedness, and the responsible use of new technologies, climate action, and the peaceful settlement of disputes under international law,” the President said. He will also share lessons from ASEAN’s long-standing commitment to an open and inclusive dialogue while preserving the region’s strategic autonomy.

Apart from the summit, President Marcos will meet with Prime Minister Modi to review progress in key areas of the Philippines-India Strategic Partnership, a year after the President’s state visit to India.

Last year, Philippines-India relations were elevated to a strategic partnership that has since witnessed top-level defense strategy talks and increased official and business exchanges in areas such as financial technology, agriculture, and tourism.

Both the Philippines and India face security pressures from China’s assertive actions in their respective regions. New Delhi worries about stability in the South China Sea because vital Indian trade passes through these waters. Manila and New Delhi are deepening military ties, highlighted by the acquisition of India’s BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missile system by the Philippine military.

Forward pathways to be pursued by both countries in Pax Silica are also ripe for discussion. The partnership connects the Philippines’ planned AI-native industrial hub in New Clark City with India’s massive technology and software talent pool. Over 20 Indian AI and advanced manufacturing firms are exploring investments in the Philippines under this tech framework.

Economic and supply chain diversification would enable both countries to diversify their economic and diplomatic ties while avoiding over-dependence on any single global superpower. Beyond defense and microchips, bilateral discussions focus on pharmaceuticals, digital innovation, direct air connectivity, and a preferential trade agreement that involves.

Further down the road, the Philippines and India are working towards finalizing a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that would involve launching direct air connectivity, and implementing reciprocal visa-free travel and e-visa initiatives. Plans are underway to establish direct flight routes connecting major hubs like Manila and New Delhi. Also on tap is the implementation of simplified travel frameworks, including visa-free travel for Indian nationals visiting the Philippines, and, conversely, free e-visas for Filipinos traveling to India.

Indeed, taking the opportunity to assess and accelerate the pace of bilateral cooperation would bode well for strengthening the Philippines-India alliance while enhancing mutual respect and cooperation. It also reinforces the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship and provides expanded global recognition that will serve the country in good stead for decades to come.

*****
Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph