India-Philippines Strategic Partnership

India and the Philippines have decided to elevate bilateral ties to a “strategic partnership” by enhancing defense and maritime cooperation, initiating direct flights, and negotiating a new trade agreement.

Key Initiatives and Agreements

• Defense and Maritime Links:
  • Three Indian naval ships are participating for the first time in a naval exercise in the Philippines, including a hydrography ship.
  • Agreements cover capacity building, joint maritime activities, and exchange of training programs between the armed forces.
  • Terms of Reference finalized between Indian and Philippine armies, navies, and air forces.
• Trade and Travel Links:
  • Commencement of talks for a preferential trade agreement.
  • Direct flights between India and the Philippines to begin this year.
  • Free e-tourist visa facility for Filipino nationals effective for one year starting August 2025.

Regional and Global Issues

Both countries expressed a commitment to peace, security, prosperity, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing support for freedom of navigation in accordance with international law, particularly in the South China Sea, considered by India as part of the global commons.

Legal and Technological Cooperation

• Agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and transfer of sentenced persons.
• Support for a pilot project for the Philippines Sovereign Data Cloud infrastructure.
• Invitation to the Philippines to participate in India's Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region.

Other Collaborations

India extended gratitude to the Philippines for condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and highlighted ongoing cooperation in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations.