The Philippines and India are deepening ties. At a private dinner in Washington on Wednesday, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez, praised India as one of Manila’s top partners and friends.
He highlighted a new defense deal that shows how close the two countries are. The Philippines is buying BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. The $375 million contract signed in 2022 gives the Philippines missiles that can travel up to 290 kilometres. These weapons will be used by the Shore‑Based Anti‑Ship Missile Battalion as part of a broader military upgrade. The move is part of Manila’s effort to strengthen deterrence in the South China Sea.
Romualdez said the Philippines is also working with India on technology and other defense equipment. “India has been very supportive,” he said. “We’re buying many defense items and working together on tech.”
The ambassador also recalled President Ferdinand Marcos’s recent state visit to India in August. Marcos met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the two leaders marked a new strategic partnership that covers trade, defense and maritime security. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in space, tourism, culture and digital technology.
Key points from the visit include:
– India will help launch a pilot project for the Philippines’ Sovereign Data Cloud Infrastructure.
– Manila will be invited to join the Indian Ocean Region’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC‑IOR).
– Both sides will start talks on a Preferential Trade Agreement.
– Leaders pledged a free and open Indo‑Pacific built on peace, security and a rules‑based order.
With these steps, the Philippines and India are building a stronger defense and trade alliance that could reshape security dynamics in the Indo‑Pacific region.
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