India-Philippines Relations: An Emerging Partnership in the Indo-Pacific

December 05, 2024 Utkarsh Garg

 

Introduction

This year marks the 75th anniversary of India-Philippines diplomatic relations on November 16, 2024. The intensification of relations between the 2 countries across all spheres, including the traditional domain as well as the new frontier, demonstrates growing ties. The bilateral relations between India and the Philippines are mainly focusing on political, economic and trade aspects; defence; maritime security, cultural; and people-to-people connections or exchange programs. [i]i

Both the countries also share values of anti-colonialism and South-South cooperation had laid the foundation of bilateral relations of the two countries during the initial years, India and the Philippines focused on establishing diplomatic channels and fostering mutual understanding between the two countries. The historical commonalities such as fight against the colonialism, contributed to the sense of solidarity between the two nations.

India and the Philippines are seen as the champions of the rule of law and inclusive multilateralism, both the countries are playing important role in promoting stronger regional cooperation, economic integration, connectivity and innovation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Through India’s Look East Policy (1992-2014) and the current Act East policy (the upgraded version of India’s Look east policy) launched on November 2014, India has strived to build stronger relations with the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. ii
 

Historical and Cultural Relations

Culturally, like many of the countries in the region, India and Philippines enjoys civilizational links. Yet, it is still need to be explored more and documented in a systematic manner in collaboration with the Government of India and the Government of the Philippines. There is a presence of numerous words with Sanskrit roots in Tagalog (the Local language) and various objects.iii

With this, India had launched the Look East Policy in the year 1992, this has helped strengthen good relations with the countries in the Southeast Asia particularly the ASEAN nations including the Philippines, both bilaterally and in the regional context with the Act East Policy coming into effect in the year 2014, which is the upgraded version of the Look East Policy. The Relations with the Philippines has diversified more into political-security, trade-industry and people-to-people connections as also stated by the Ambassador of the Philippines to India H.E Josel F. Ignacio, he also stated that the current development in India-Philippines bilateral relations, the stage appears to be set further intensification in bilateral relations, covering broad convention and cooperation among the both countries.

The Cultural Exchange Programmes between the two countries has been renewed over the period between 2019-2023 during then Indian president Shri Ram Nath Kovind’s visit to the Philippines on October 2019. Indian cultural events are organised regularly in the Philippines on the Indian national days. Some of the most important Indian festivals including Diwali, Holi and Dusshera. Some other important days for India such as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on October 31 every year, Indian Constitution Day on November 26, Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, National Science Day etc. For India’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence, a song was composed in collaboration with Filipino Madrigal Singers and 4 Indian Folk Songs and this was launched on August/ September 2022 in collaboration with the Philippines National Commission for Culture of the Arts to mark and celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav in the Philippines. These celebrations also include 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi Ji and several other events like blood donation camps, tree plantation drive, bicycle and Bike rallies for awareness drive are organised every year in the Philippines. The other Indian cultural events also include International Day of Yoga, Ayurveda Day are also celebrated every year in the Philippines since March 2021. ivThese events have been organised by the Indian Embassy in Manila every year to enhance the relations between both the countries.

India and the Philippines also have cultural links from the past from Buddhist links to the Hindu influences. India and the Philippines has also signed a cultural agreement in the year 1969. The cultural agreement between India and the Philippines states that there should be a further cultivation in possible way the spirit of cooperation between the two countries inspired by the need and common desires to promote and develop closer relations and a strong cultural relation between the people of both the countries. In this agreement, it has been stated that there should be more exchanges between the two countries of professors, scholars, journalists and the members of scientific and cultural institutions. According to the agreement, both the countries should also be encouraged holding of concerts, dances, theatre and musical performances by the artists of both the countries. This is also stated in the Article II of 1969 cultural agreement. Also, this cultural agreement states about establishment of Indian-Philippine friendship association.v

As another cultural agreement of 2019-2023 between the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and the National commission for culture and the arts of the Government of the Philippines. This cultural agreement of 2019-2023 explained about cultural exchange programmes with mutual consultations according to Para-I-cultural and art exchanges.vi

Therefore, Cultural relations will also play a crucial role in bilateral relations between the two countries.

 

High Level meetings and visits Via Diplomacy

The Bilateral relations have strengthened in the past few years with the exchange of high-level meetings visits, telephonic conversations. The year 2022 was the most important year in the India-Philippines relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over phone congratulating him on his victory in the elections and becoming 17th President of the Philippines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the importance of Philippines in the Act East Policy of India and its vision for the Indo-Pacific region.vii

On 7th September 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr had a brief meeting on the sideline of the 20th India-ASEAN summit held in Jakarta. viii

The Filipino Ambassador also told during the interaction including state visit of then President of India Shri Ram Nat Kovind on October 2019 marking 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Modi had visited the Philippines on November 2017 for 15th ASEAN India summit, with a strong bilateral cooperation.

We can also take the recent visit of India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Philippines from 25-27 March 2024 called on the President of the Philippines Mr. Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. During Dr S Jaishankar’s visit, he also met the Foreign Secretary of the Philippines. Both of the ministers had discussed about the progress made in the bilateral cooperation. Dr S Jaishankar and Mr Enrique A. Manalo had reviewed entire spectrum of engagements including political exchanges, trade, investment, defence and maritime security, development partnership, healthcare, agriculture and foreign policy, education, infrastructure, engagements in the new technologies and people-to-people exchanges. They explored avenues and various things which can be explored for strengthening further relations between the 2 countries. It was agreed that there will be diplomatic events held to mark and celebrate 75th Anniversary of establishing diplomatic bilateral relations.ix

Indian External affairs Minister also met National Defence Secretary of the Philippines Mr. Gilbert Teodoro. Both leaders discussed the growing cooperation in defence and maritime security.x

Dr Jaishankar during his recent visit to the Philippines said that ties between New Delhi and Manila have witnessed a very perceptible growth in the recent times. While addressing a joint press conference with the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Dr Jaishankar said that India’s ties with the Philippines have seen very perceptible growth in recent times. Prime Minister Modi had met President Marcos Jr. during Indo-ASEAN summit in September 2023 and it was his honour of calling on President of the Philippines H.E Bongbong Marcos and conveying message of Prime Minister Modi greetings and best wishes. Dr Jaishankar stressed that the meetings and visit are one of the indications of the growing closeness between India and the Philippines. “Meetings and visits are one of the indicators of the growing closeness between the two nations”.

Dr Jaishankar further said that this is equally visible in a range of domains starting from trade and investment and extending it to health, food security, education, Science and Technology, defence and maritime cooperation. Dr Jaishankar stated during his meeting with Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, conveyed that India is preparing to step up its engagement with the Philippines. The meeting between two Foreign Ministers had a good outcome as Dr Jaishankar said that he welcomes what secretary Manolo communicated, in terms of easier visas, more movement, more dialogues and deeper cooperation and some of the recent developments in our ties were positively recognized.

Dr Jaishankar noted the outcome of the meeting that both the nations are moving ahead on quick impact projects in sectors like Agriculture, health and capacity building. He also stated that growing comfort and trust between two nations is demonstrated in ongoing supplies of rice from India.

Also highlighting the importance of maritime cooperation between India and the Philippines Jaishankar had said “As two sea facing nations of the Indo-Pacific, our maritime cooperation holds great potential. Last year, both countries had signed agreements on enhanced maritime cooperation and white shipping. It is appropriate that even today, there is an Indian Coast Guard vessel, which is making a port call in Manila.”xi

 

Trade and Economic Cooperation

As per official figures in the bilateral trade according to Department of commerce, Government of India, bilateral trade between India and the Philippines has increased from $1.89 billion (USD) in 2015-16 to $3.05 Billion (USD) in FY 2022-23, in terms of value has crossed bilateral trade upto $3 Billion for the very first time.xii

The major items that are exported from India to the Philippines includes electronic goods, parts of automobiles, electric transformers, petroleum products, semi-finished products of iron and steel, pharmaceuticals, meat, groundnuts and other substances. Philippines account for 20% of total Indian pharmaceutical exports in the ASEAN region. India also imports major items from the Philippines include Electrical machinery, semi-conductors, pearls and precious stones, residue and waste from food industry, animal fodder and others.xiii

India has invested a lot in the Philippines. Indian investments in the Philippines are around $5 Billion (USD). These Indian companies include Tata consultancy service (TCS), Wipro, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Mahindra and Mahindra Motors, Sun Pharma, Zydus Cadila, Bajaj and TVS and Hero Motor corp.xiv

By seeing the Trade and Economic cooperation growing between India and the Philippines realizing the potential of a strategic partnership in the region, India and the Philippines agreed to consider a preferential trade agreement (PTA) at 13th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investments (JWGTI) on September 2020.

PTA is a bilateral agreement that would aim to reduce and eliminate tariffs on products of mutual interests. Both countries were in agreement that bilateral approach would be more manageable to address its respective sensitivities.

In advance of PTA negotiations, The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Embassy of India in Manila, and the Embassy of the Philippines in New Delhi organised a webinar on India-Philippines enhancing bilateral economic and trade relationship was held on September 25 2020. This webinar had focused on collaboration in Pharmaceuticals, IT and Financial Technology. xv

The latest trends in trade and economic cooperation between India and the Philippines are as of May 2024, India exported around $162 million and imported around $60.7 million from the Philippines resulting in a positive trade balance of $101 million. As between May 2023 and May 2024 the exports of India have decreased by $5.93 million (-3.54%) from $168 million to $162 million, while the imports decreased by $32.9 million (-35.2%) from $93.6 million to $60.7 million.

In May 2024, the top exports of India to the Philippines were Drug Formulations, Biological ($18.4 million), two and three wheelers (17.7 million), Meat products ($9.61 million), auto types and tubes ($6.15 million) and Auto Components/ Parts ($5.28 million). In May 2024 the top imports of India from Philippines were Electronics instruments (8.32 million), organic chemicals ($6.84 million) and Telecom Instruments ($5.87 million).

 

Tourism and Aviation

India and the Philippines signed a modernised air service agreement on September 2021 and was ratified. As said by the ambassador during the interaction that air consultation talks and negotiations are still underway which includes the possible restoration of direct flights between India and the Philippines.

Air India is being chosen and designated as an Indian Flight carrier to carry out operations and air service between India and the Philippines. For tourism, a bilateral MoU on Tourism was signed in the year 18th October 2019. The 1st ever meeting of India-Philippines on Tourism was held on 8th October 2020 which covered various issues to enhance two-way tourist flow. Discussions were also held on the expansion of tourism flows, including a direct air connectivity, links between travel bodies, ease of visa access to the Indian nationals and synergies in the promotional events. On 26th January 2023, President Marcos Jr. announced that Philippines government would extend e-visa for travellers from India. On 4th February 2023 Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco had attended 10th meeting of India-ASEAN Tourism Ministers where in she praised India for allowing 100?I in the tourism sector, signing of air service agreement and agreement on Tourism between India and the Philippines in terms of encouraging better development in connectivity, hospitality and sustainability.xvi

To help enhancing opportunities in Tourism sector between India and the Philippines, there was a meeting to enhance Tourism in both the nations. The 2nd India-Philippines Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Tourism under the bilateral MoU on Tourism cooperation of 2019 which was held in Manila on 21st May 2024. A range of Tourism related issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting most notably concerning Tourist Visas, Air and Sea connectivity, exchange of best practices and information leveraging digital technology, Investments in hospitality sector, capacity building including Research and Development and sustainable tourism, inter alia.xvii

With the help of these Joint Working Group meeting (JWG), there has been a gradual increase in the number of tourists travelling between India and the Philippines. Both the countries are focusing on boosting tourism as a key area and main area of cooperation. India and the Philippines have also conducted various activities of promotion, including travel fairs, cultural exchange programs increasing awareness in tourism opportunities in both the countries.

Although, there are no direct flights between both the countries, though there has been an ongoing discussion to enhance air connectivity, which is seen as crucial for boosting tourism. India and the Philippines have been working on strengthening their connectivity strengthening their air service agreements to allow for better connectivity. These agreements have aim to increase number of flights and routes available between India and the Philippines. There is a significant potential for growth in aviation sector, especially with increasing demand is travel and tourism between India and the Southeast Asia. Improved air connectivity is expected to facilitate not just tourism but also business and cultural exchanges. By strengthening aviation and tourism relations. This will help enhancing people-to-people connect and economic, trade and tourism cooperation.

Currently, the main challenge in Tourism and aviation relations lies in currently lack of direct flights between two countries remains a challenge. More travellers have to rely on connecting flights, which is very costly and time consuming. With the ongoing discussions and potential new air service agreements, there is optimism about the future of aviation ties between India and the Philippines. In future, more direct flights will definitely lead to a significant increase and boost the aviation industry along with tourism and business travel. This cooperation in tourism and business travel. This cooperation in tourism and aviation is part of a broader effort to deepen economic and strategic ties between India and the Philippines.
 

Defence and Security Cooperation

Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships regularly visit the Philippines and hold consultations with their counterparts. INS Satpura made a port call to Manila from 3-7 June 2022 for Operational Turn Around (OTR). xviiiTwo Indian Navy ships INS Ranvijay and INS Kora visited Manila from 24-26 August 2021. The ships also undertook the first ever bilateral Navy-to-Navy Passage Exercise in the west Filipino Sea during the visit. INS Kiltan visited Manila from 3 to 5 July 2021. There were other recent visits of the Naval Ships to the Philippines which had included. INS Sahyadri and INS Kiltan from 23-26 October 2019 on the Occasion of the Indian Coast Guard Day.xix

Recently, the Philippines Ambassador to India H.E. Mr. Josel F Ignacio met the Chief of the Indian Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi sir, for further strengthening the maritime security cooperation between the two countries on 21st June 2024. The signing of the following MoUs on August 2023 has paved the way for the intensification of maritime cooperation between the 2 countries. The MoUs which were signed were the:

-MoU signed to enhance the maritime cooperation between India and the Philippines

-There was also an agreement on the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on sharing of White Shipping Information.

The recent example of enhancing defence cooperation between the two countries is India’s recent delivery of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines- the first batch of its most valuable defence-export deal to date- is part of a broader effort by New Delhi to step up defence engagements with the Southeast Asian countries mostly the ASEAN countries including the Philippines. India delivered BrahMos missiles to the Philippines- the first batch of US$375 million deal with Manila that will actually see New Delhi providing three batteries of the cruise missiles to the Philippines Marine Corps.xx

Enhancing Defence Cooperation between India and the Philippines is the most important thing to do. This is because over the last few months, Philippines and China have engaged in many dangerous encounters near the disputed second Thomas Shoal where the Philippines maintains a troop detachment stationed on a grounded military vessel. By the next few years, the South China Sea can become a larger hotspot than Taiwan, with key countries including India are interested in checking China’s operations in the region.xxi

Both China and the Philippines have recorded such incidents and shared their viewpoints with the world, highlighting what they see as unjustified infringements on their sovereign rights. Apart from these bilateral encounters, India is pitching its ground without much limelight in the region with the Philippines in particular. According to some reports, officials from the Philippines have visited several Indian defence companies to assess their offerings. The discussions are still in the early stages; however, officials have indicated that deals can be signed by the end of 2024.xxii

India and the Philippines share an interest in the Indo-Pacific, which they see as free, open and inclusive. New Delhi has always maintained close connections with Manila, as seen by a recent contract to deliver three batteries of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines to oppose Chinese influence in the South China sea.xxiii

Amid its maritime tensions with China and its plans to modernise its military as a deterrence, Filipino ambassador to India H.E. Josel F. Ignacio said that cooperation in the defence sector is the most key element for growing bilateral ties.

Both India and the Philippines have dialogues on major security issues including the South China Sea, The Ambassador added that defence cooperation is being implemented is more than just acquisitions of the military equipment.

The Philippine ambassador to India also added that defence to defence relations and military to military dialogues, exchange of views on the issues of common concern can also play a very important in these bilateral relations. Recently, an Indian naval shipment a goodwill visits to the Philippines and there are multilateral cooperation agreements between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of which the Philippines is a leading member.xxiv

In fact, President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said that his government will pursue “more robust collaboration” with “friends” such as India as collaborative endeavours to build pillars that support the architecture of regional stability.xxv

 

Way Forward

The India-Philippines relations have improved over the past 2 to 3 decades since the launch of East Asian Summits and India-ASEAN summits, as these types of platforms provide avenues for greater interactions. However, many things need to be done to elevate the bilateral relations between India and the Philippines to the next level.

First, defence procurements from India (possibly joint production) would play a crucial role in boosting bilateral ties. Manila has already shown interests in getting assistance from India in military modernisation. It remains to be seen that how India will provide a systematic and expeditious follow-up. Since the economy of the Philippines cannot go for high-end defence purchases from India, India can replicate the “Vietnam Model” which means India could provide credit for defence acquisitions. It will be a win-win situation for the Philippines to improve and diversify defence supply sources while contributing to the success of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative of “Make in India” campaign.

Second, so far defence ties principally encompass ship visits, training and defence exchange program etc. It is time that both New Delhi and Manila to mull over starting military joint bilateral exercise at all the levels, particularly for sturdier counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism preparedness.

Third, The Philippines is looking for investments in order to boost its domestic infrastructure and connectivity. India can help by providing soft (digital like the system of UPI) and hard (roads, railways, ports and the airports) connectivity. India and Japan can jointly invest in major infrastructure projects in the Philippines.

Fourth, India-Philippines trade falls short of expected levels despite the fact that the Philippines is among the top 6 ASEAN economies and the second most populous ASEAN state. New avenues of investment and joint ventures need to be explored to enhance the bilateral trade.

Fifth, both the countries need to work on the people-to-people connect between the two countries that needs to be promoted through more student exchanges, direct flights to boost tourism and business between the two countries to bring bilateral relations to the next level.xxvi
 

Conclusion

Therefore, we can say that relations between India and the Philippines are enhancing at the next level. The meeting and conversation that took place with the Ambassador of the Philippines to India, H.E. Mr. Josel F. Ignacio, gave insights about India-Philippines bilateral relations. The future of India-Philippines bilateral relations is very bright, as we will see more developments in the relations between the two countries, be it in political, economic, defence, or security cooperation, which includes maritime security.

The India-Philippines relations have improved a lot over the past three decades-particularly since the launch of the East Asia summit or EAS and India-ASEAN summit, as these platforms provided avenues for greater interactions, however, more needs to be done to enhance India-Philippines bilateral relations to the next level.xxvii

As India and the Philippines will be completely 75 years of its diplomatic relations, it will be very important for both the countries to enhance their relations and try to upgrade the relations into “strategic partnership”. This will add more significance to the time and support of New Delhi towards Manila.

 

References

i “Brief of India-Philippines Bilateral Relations”, *Embassy of India Manila*, 12 October 2023 (Accessed on 20th July 2024)

 

https://www.eoimanila.gov.in/eoi.php?id=india-philippines-bilateral-relations/

 

ii Mishra Rahul, “India and the Philippines time to go beyond the ASEAN Framework”, *RSIS*, August 2019 (Accessed on August 26th 2024)

https://www.rsis.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/PR190801_India-and-Philippines.pdf

 

iii Ibid

 

iv Ibid

 

v Cultural Agreement Between India and the Philippines, 1969 Cultural Agreement, (Accessed on 26th August 2024)

https://indiaculture.gov.in/sites/default/files/Cultural Agreement/112.pdf

 

vi Cultural Agreement Between Ministry of Culture, Government of India and The National Commission for Culture and Arts, Government of the Philippines, 2019-2023 Cultural Agreement, (Accessed on 26th August 2024)

https://indiaculture.gov.in/sites/default/files/cultural_rel/Philippines_CEP_for_the_years_2019-2023_14_01_2020.pdf

 

vii Ibid

 

viii Ibid

 

ix “Brief on External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar’s Visit to Philippines”, “Visit of External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Philippines March 25-27 2024”, *Ministry of External Affairs*, March 27 2024 (Accessed on 20th July 2024)

https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/37755/Visit+of+External+Affairs+Minister+Dr+S+Jaishankar+to+Philippines+March+2527+2024

 

x Ibid (Ministry of External Affairs)

 

xi India, Philippines have seen perceptible growth in recent times: Jaishankar, *ANI*, March 26 2024 (Accessed on August 28, 2024)

https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/india-philippines-have-seen-very-perceptible-growth-in-recent-times-jaishankar20240326133906/

 

xii Ibid (Embassy of India, Manila)

 

xiii Ibid (Embassy of India, Manila)

 

xiv Ibid (Embassy of India, Manila)

 

xv PH and India trade agreement seen, Republic of the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry, *DTI Philippines, September 30, 2020 (Accessed on August 28 2024)

https://www.dti.gov.ph/archives/news-archives/ph-and-india-trade-agreement-seen/

 

xvi Ibid (Embassy of India, Manila)

 

xvii Press Release, 2nd India-Philippines Joint Working Group Meeting on Tourism, Embassy of India, Manila, 21st May 2024 (Accessed on 28th August 2024)

https://eoimanila.gov.in/news_letter_detail.php?id=166#:~:text=India and the Philippines signed,virtually on 08 October, 2020.

 

xviii Ibid (Embassy of India, Manila)

 

xix Ibid (Embassy of India, Manila)

 

xxSolanki Viraj, “India’s increased defence and security engagement with Southeast Asia”, *IISS*, 1st May 2024 (Accessed on 25th July 2024)

 

https://www.iiss.org/en/online-analysis/online-analysis/2024/04/indias-increased-defence-and-security-engagement-with-southeast-asia/

 

xxi Sanu Kumar Sangeet, India-Philippines Strengthen Bilateral Defence cooperation as tension rises in South China Sea, *Businessworld*, January 13 2024 (accessed on 31st August 2024)

https://businessworld.in/article/india-philippines-strengthen-bilateral-defence-cooperation-as-tension-rises-in-south-china-sea-505904

 

xxii Ibid (Businessworld)

 

xxiii Ibid (Businessworld)

 

xxiv Padmanabhan Keshav, Philippines looks at India for military modernising envoy lays out the roadmap, *The Print*, 18th July 2024 (accessed on 31st August 2024)

https://theprint.in/diplomacy/philippines-looks-at-india-for-military-modernising-envoy-lays-out-the-roadmap/2179463/

 

xxv PTI, Philippines President Marcos Jr. says country will pursue ‘more robust collaboration’ with India on defence cooperation, *The Hindu*, 1st June 2024

https://theprint.in/diplomacy/philippines-looks-at-india-for-military-modernising-envoy-lays-out-the-roadmap/2179463/

 

xxvi Mishra Rahul, “India and the Philippines time to go beyond the ASEAN Framework”, *RSIS*, August 2019 (Accessed on August 26th 2024)

https://www.rsis.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/PR190801_India-and-Philippines.pdf

 

xxvii Ibid (RSIS)

About the Author:

Utkarsh Garg is currently working as a researcher at the Indic Researchers Forum.

Note:

The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the organisation.

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