August 12, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines can sit up for expanded naval engagements and joint coaching with India after the bilateral relations between the 2 nations have been elevated to a strategic partnership, Nationwide Safety Adviser Eduardo Año mentioned yesterday.
He mentioned the state go to of President Marcos to India marked a pivotal second in Philippine international and safety coverage. Marcos and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally elevated bilateral relations to a Philippines-India Strategic Partnership, supported by a multi-sectoral Plan of Motion overlaying 2025–2029.
“This milestone displays our shared dedication to regional stability, financial resilience and a rules-based worldwide order,” Año mentioned in an announcement.
The strategic partnership builds upon 75 years of diplomatic ties and expands cooperation throughout protection, maritime safety, commerce, infrastructure, digital know-how, area, tradition and tourism.
“It’s a clear demonstration of the Philippines’ resolve to work with like-minded companions in safeguarding peace and advancing prosperity within the Indo-Pacific,” he added.
An preliminary consequence of this strengthened partnership was the first-ever Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Exercise between the Philippine Navy and the Indian Navy, carried out from Aug. 3 to 4 throughout the Philippines’ unique financial zone.
Año defined that this operation enhances interoperability, promotes maritime area consciousness and reinforces the Philippines’ capability to guard sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, significantly within the West Philippine Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific area.
He mentioned India has lengthy been a trusted associate in protection cooperation.
“By this strategic partnership, we sit up for expanded naval engagements, joint coaching, know-how exchanges and collaboration in addressing rising challenges corresponding to cybersecurity, humanitarian help and catastrophe response and functionality constructing, together with ongoing discussions on submarine infrastructure improvement,” he famous.