NEW DELHI, Aug 5 — India and the Philippines elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, a milestone announced during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s visit to New Delhi today.
The upgrade followed talks between Marcos and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on strengthening cooperation in defence, trade, tourism, and Indo‑Pacific affairs.
"The Strategic Partnership marks a new chapter towards realising the full potential for bilateral, regional, and international cooperation between the two countries," said the two leaders in a joint statement.
The two nations have agreed to step up interactions between their militaries, collaborate in defence production, and boost maritime cooperation.
They agreed to work expeditiously to conclude talks on a preferential trade agreement to grow bilateral trade significantly from about US$3.3 billion (RM13.94 billion) achieved in fiscal year 2024-25.
Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, arrived in India yesterday for a five-day visit.
