Leaders of India and Philippines ink defence, trade deals as nations mark 75 years of diplomacy

Key Concepts:

• Strategic Partnership between India and the Philippines
• Act East Policy
• Defense Deals (BrahMos missile system, potential surface-to-air missile sales)
• Indo-Pacific security and stability
• South China Sea territorial disputes
• Maritime Cooperation
• Military Exercises (Talisman Sabre)
• Geopolitical Realities
• Shifting Geopolitical Realities

1. Upgrading Ties and Diplomatic Relations

• India and the Philippines have upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership.
• This upgrade coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
• Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a five-day state visit to India, his first since taking office in 2022.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the two nations as "friends by choice, partners by destiny".
• Both countries reiterated their commitment to a "rules-based order" in the Indo-Pacific region.

2. Trade and Investment

• There is an added urgency to accelerate an agreement on preferential trade to boost investment between India and the Philippines.

3. Defense Cooperation and Security

• Joint Patrols: Discussions included the possibility of joint patrols in the South China Sea, with Indian ships potentially exercising alongside Philippine vessels near the Scarborough Shoal (area disputed by China and the Philippines).
• Act East Policy: The defense deals are part of India's "Act East policy," aimed at deepening engagement with Southeast Asia.
• Geopolitical Relevance: The most significant aspects of the partnership are the defense deals, involving deep and capacity-building exchanges, maritime cooperation, and service-to-service engagements (army-to-army, air force-to-air force).
• India aims to become a global manufacturing hub for military hardware, exporting indigenous defense systems.

4. BrahMos Missile System

• In 2021, India and the Philippines finalized a deal for the delivery of three BrahMos missile systems to the Philippines.
• Delivery of the BrahMos systems, initially scheduled to be completed three years from 2021, has not yet been completed.
• The location of these systems is being kept confidential by the Philippines.
• India describes the BrahMos missile as indigenous, with high precision, unparalleled speed, and the capacity to evade aggressors.
• This is particularly important for the Philippines, given its maritime geography and the South China Sea regional flashpoint.

5. Military Exercises

• India and the Philippines participated in the Talisman Sabre Exercise hosted by Australia, involving 19 nations.
• This was the largest military exercise to date.
• The two nations engaged directly in these exercises to enhance interoperability.

6. Institutionalizing Engagement

• The Philippines plays a significant role in India's Act East policy, which is now 11 years old and has been rebranded from the original "Look East" policy under Prime Minister Modi.
• India is not only deepening engagement with Southeast Asia but also institutionalizing it through various agreements and collaborations.

7. Geopolitical Context

• Strengthening defense relations is a necessity given the developments in the South China Sea.
• There is potential for more bilateral and multilateral drills in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region.
• Coast Guard cooperation and port calls between the navies are also being discussed.
• This includes capacity building, exchange of training programs, and information sharing between forces.

8. Arms Procurement

• Manila has expressed interest in acquiring more defense platforms from New Delhi.
• Potential sales of surface-to-air missiles to Manila are being considered, which could be deployed in the South China Sea.
• Experts acknowledge that New Delhi is taking a side in the South China Sea dispute, signaling a more ambitious foreign policy approach.

9. Notable Quotes and Statements

• Narendra Modi: Referred to India and the Philippines as "friends by choice, partners by destiny."
• Prime Minister Modi: Strengthening defense relations between India and Philippines is a symbol of deep mutual trust and a necessity.

10. Key Concepts Explained

• Act East Policy: India's initiative to promote economic, strategic, and cultural relations with the broader Indo-Pacific region.
• BrahMos Missile: A supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia.
• Rules-based order: A concept advocating for international relations to be governed by established laws, norms, and institutions.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The upgraded strategic partnership between India and the Philippines signifies a deepening of ties, particularly in defense cooperation. This is driven by shared concerns over security in the Indo-Pacific region, especially the South China Sea, and India's ambition to become a key player in regional security and a global defense manufacturing hub. The defense deals, potential joint patrols, and participation in military exercises highlight a concerted effort to enhance interoperability and counter potential threats. This partnership is also an integral part of India's Act East policy, aimed at strengthening its engagement with Southeast Asia amidst shifting geopolitical realities.