The Philippines and India officially elevated their bilateral ties on Tuesday, Aug. 5, by establishing a Strategic Partnership, marked by the signing of key agreements in defense, security, trade, science, and tourism.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the exchange of these agreements during a joint press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
The event took place on the second day of Marcos Jr.’s State Visit to India, from August 4 to 8, 2025.
The President said the strengthened ties reflect both nations’ shared goal of promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
Key agreements signed include:
- Declaration and Plan of Action (2025–2029) establishing the Strategic Partnership;
- Military-to-military staff talks between the Philippine and Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force;
- Maritime cooperation between their respective Coast Guards;
- Treaties on mutual legal assistance and transfer of sentenced persons;
- Science and technology cooperation (2025–2028);
- Tourism cooperation program (2025–2028);
- MOU on digital technologies;
- Space cooperation agreement between the Philippine Space Agency and India’s ISRO;
- Cultural exchange program.
These agreements represent a major step in expanding cooperation beyond traditional areas, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration between Manila and New Delhi in the years ahead.IMT
