Celebrating 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations
India Philippines Vision Plan 2025–29 Enhances Strategic Bond: India and the Philippines have entered a landmark year, marking 75 years since formal diplomatic ties were established in 1949. These relations gained strength through India’s Look East Policy (1992) and further deepened by the Act East Policy (2014), highlighting India’s commitment to Southeast Asia. Static GK fact: ASEAN was created in 1967, and the Philippines was one of its founding members.
Major Announcements from the Presidential Visit
During the official visit of the President of the Philippines to India, the two nations unveiled the Strategic Partnership Plan of Action 2025–29, aimed at enhancing multi-sectoral cooperation. Important pacts were signed in areas such as Legal Assistance, Space Collaboration, Science & Technology, Tourism, and Transfer of Convicted Persons. India also agreed to extend assistance for a pilot project on Sovereign Data Cloud Infrastructure in the Philippines. In addition, Manila was invited to join the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) for bolstering maritime coordination.
Defence and Maritime Ties
The Philippines has become the first international customer of India’s advanced BrahMos cruise missile, highlighting a major milestone in defence exports. In 2024, the Track-1 Maritime Dialogue was hosted in Manila, focusing on strengthening maritime security and naval cooperation. Static GK fact: BrahMos is a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
Boosting Trade and Economic Connectivity
Trade between the two countries stood at $3.5 billion in FY 2023–24, supported by frameworks like the ASEAN–India Free Trade Agreement. Talks are currently in progress to explore a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), aiming for smoother trade flows and greater economic integration. Static GK Tip: India was granted sectoral dialogue partner status by ASEAN in 1992.
Skill Development and Cultural Exchange
The Philippines has received significant training opportunities under India’s ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) programme. The Cultural Exchange Agreement (2019–2023) renewed cultural diplomacy between the two nations. Moreover, the Indian community in the Philippines, numbering over 70,000, acts as a strong bridge between societies.
Indo-Pacific Collaboration and Regional Balance
India and the Philippines stand united in pushing for a free, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, aligning under India’s MAHASAGAR Vision. The Philippines, located at a critical maritime intersection, plays a pivotal role in the South China Sea. The 2016 arbitration under the Permanent Court of Arbitration confirmed the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) rights and dismissed China’s expansive maritime claims under UNCLOS. Static GK fact: UNCLOS stands for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted in 1982.
Joint Efforts Toward Global Institutional Reform
Both nations believe in the urgency of reforming multilateral systems to handle modern global challenges, including climate change, digital transformation, and social inequality. Their alignment on these goals supports a stronger voice in shaping global governance.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Philippines Vision Plan 2025–29 Enhances Strategic Bond:
| Fact | Detail |
| Year diplomatic ties established | 1949 |
| Look East Policy launched | 1992 |
| Act East Policy launched | 2014 |
| First foreign buyer of BrahMos | Philippines |
| Bilateral trade 2023–24 | $3.5 billion |
| ASEAN founding year | 1967 |
| UNCLOS adoption year | 1982 |
| Indian diaspora in Philippines | Over 70,000 |
| First Track-1 Maritime Dialogue | Manila, 2024 |
| PCA ruling on South China Sea | 2016 |
