BrahMos delivery, South China Sea patrols, and trade talks to headline growing Indo-Philippine strategic partnership
As New Delhi gears up to host Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Manila has signalled a strong intent to expand its defence cooperation with India. The visit, which includes a high-level bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to focus on defence ties, maritime security, and trade, amid rising regional tensions and global trade disruptions, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Ahead of Marcos’ visit, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Romeo Brawner confirmed that Manila is looking to purchase more defence equipment from India, citing its affordability and high quality. He also said the delivery of BrahMos cruise missiles — jointly developed by India and Russia — is on track, with two additional sets expected to arrive in the coming years.
Philippines looks to India for quality, affordable weapon systems amid South China Sea tensions
The push for deeper defence engagement comes as the Philippines confronts growing aggression from China in the South China Sea, which it refers to as the West Philippine Sea. In response, Manila has been expanding strategic defence ties with regional partners, including India and Japan, to ensure security in the contested waters.
India is also set to join the Philippines for a joint maritime patrol in the South China Sea this week. In 2023, New Delhi openly supported the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that rejected China’s sweeping maritime claims — a rare stance that aligned India with the Philippines against Beijing.
Marcos-Modi Talks to Focus on Defence Credit, Maritime Cooperation, and Trade
During the meeting on Tuesday, the two leaders are expected to discuss India’s offer of a concessional Line of Credit to fund the Philippines’ defence procurements. Talks will also cover the possible acquisition of naval platforms, expansion of joint military exercises, and capacity-building in maritime security.
Beyond defence, India and the Philippines are set to sign six agreements in areas including science and technology, law, and culture. The two nations are also keen to ramp up economic engagement, with bilateral trade crossing $3 billion for the first time in 2022–2023. Negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) are expected to be launched soon.
Both countries are also in talks with the US to conclude separate bilateral trade deals to avoid being penalised by President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies. India currently faces a 25% US tariff, while the Philippines has been slapped with a 19% levy.
Development cooperation is also emerging as a pillar of the relationship. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, six Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in agriculture, healthcare, disaster management, and livelihood support are being implemented in the Philippines under a grant agreement signed in February 2023.
The Modi-Marcos meeting comes at a time when both India and China are exploring ways to reset their own strained relations — making it politically sensitive how much the South China Sea issue features in bilateral discussions. During Marcos’ recent US visit, President Trump reportedly remarked that he wouldn’t object if the Philippines improved ties with China.
