Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.’s first-ever five-day visit to India, from August 4th to 8th, 2025, marks a significant moment in Indo-Pacific diplomacy, solidifying India-Philippines bilateral relations and its transformation from regional partners to strategic allies. The visit also coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and the Philippines, making it even more remarkable. The president is accompanied by First Lady Lousie Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several ministers from this Cabinet, along with Filipino business leaders.
A key highlight of the visit was the elevation of the relationship to a strategic alliance, reflecting geopolitical goals, and a commitment to deepening cooperation across security, economy, trade, and connectivity.
On August 5th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Marcos Jr. engaged in important bilateral talks, resulting in the signing of 13 new agreements, where key focus areas involve maritime cooperation, defence advancements, space collaboration, digital infrastructure, cyber security, agriculture, tourism, and people-to-people ties.
On the same day, a landmark Naval development occurred, which was the first-ever India-Philippines joint sail in the South China Sea conducted within Manila’s exclusive economic zone. The joint exercise involved Indian Navy Ships, INS Delhi, INS Kiltan, INS Shakti, and Philippine Navy vessels. This sail concluded peacefully, highlighting both countries’ commitment to a free, open, rules-based Indo-Pacific. Additionally, India announced its support for submarine infrastructure development in the Philippines.
Bilateral trade has reached $3.5billions in 2023-24, with expectations for significant growth following recent trade agreements. Prime Minister Modi stated, “Our bilateral trade is increasing continuously and has crossed the figure of 3 billion dollars. To further strengthen this, it will be our priority to complete the review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement at the earliest. We have also decided to work towards a Bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement”.
The Philippines has expressed interest in importing Indian Pharmaceuticals, Agri-Tech solutions, and IT services, while India aims to explore opportunities in Philippine manufacturing and electronic solutions.
One of the key joint announcements included the International Rice Research Institute in Varanasi, where both countries have commited to developing low glycemic index rice, which will be suitable for diabetic people. The initiative highlights their shared goals of food security and climate resilience.
India and the Philippines have also announced the creation of a Joint Business Forum, aiming at enhancing B2B and startups interactions, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, textiles, and clean mobility.
To strengthen people-to-people ties, the two countries have agreed to launch direct flights between Delhi and Manila. They have also agreed to grant visa-free entry for Indian tourists in the Philippines and streamline e-visa processes for Filipinos.
Culturally, both nations have pledged to enhance student exchange programs, launch joint film festivals, and collaborate in preserving Southeast Asian heritage through archaeological missions. The Philippines is set to serve as the ASEAN chair in 2026, and hence, India has promised to extend its support and cooperation to the country.
On August 5th, both countries unveiled commemorative postal stamps marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and the Philippines. The stamps feature the National flowers of each country- the Lotus for India and the Sampaguita for the Philippines, symbolising unity and harmony between them.
