The Philippines and India have long shared a strong diplomatic relationship, with the two countries enjoying intertwined histories that date back centuries. In recent years, the bilateral relations between the two countries have increased in terms of both economic and political cooperation. This has been characterized by an active exchange of high-level visits, as well as enhanced trade and investment links.

In more specific areas of cooperation, both countries share common values on the increasing importance of maritime security, as evidenced by maritime partnership exercises in August of 2021. There have been expressions on both ends of a “robust defense and security partnership over the years” with an intention to continue strengthening these collaborative efforts in maintaining a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

This connection is further strengthened by common values and objectives as India seeks to actively engage the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and leverage its membership in the Asia Co-Operation Dialogue (ACD), as well as its active participation in the East Asia Summit as one of its founding members. The mutual respect that the Philippines and India have for one another’s sovereignty also provides an important backdrop to this partnership, as both are committed to working together to advance regional security, stability, trade and investment opportunities for both nations and for the region as a whole.

At the 5^th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) held on 29 June 2023 at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S. Jaishankar acknowledged the growing importance of the maritime sector for both countries and welcomed the bilateral Maritime Dialogue and the increased cooperation on hydrography. They emphasized the utility of maritime domain awareness and in this context called for early operationalization of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the White Shipping Agreement between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG).

The area of maritime cooperation in areas not limited to defense and security provides an opportunity for well-rounded discussions on how the two countries can expand this relationship outside of areas in defense. These collaborations can range from best practices around marine environment standards to maritime investments and trade.

In line with this, the Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs – Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office, the Embassy of India, Manila, and the National Maritime Foundation of India, organized a Track 2.0 Dialogue on 12 September 2023, Tuesday, from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM (PHT).

The bilateral relations between the Philippines and India serve as an important example of how countries can come together to form mutually beneficial partnerships while maintaining national interests in the areas of maritime security and cooperation. Through fora like these, we can best promote a common vision anchored upon an Indo-Pacific that is for all. 

It is through this event that the Institute hoped to outline the current state of this relationship and its future prospects and aimed to discuss how both countries can further strengthen their bilateral relations in order to foster greater economic opportunities and regional stability amidst a shifting maritime landscape.

With this in mind, it is likely that the bilateral partnership between these two countries will continue to blossom in the years to come.