The evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region is witnessing a significant recalibration, with the Philippines taking a more assertive stance on its security alliances and defense strategies. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent pronouncements and actions underscore a growing recognition within the Philippine government that it cannot remain detached should a conflict erupt in Taiwan. This strategic calculation is occurring in tandem with a notable strengthening of defense ties between the Philippines and India, signaling a deeper alignment of interests and a shared vision for regional stability.
President Marcos Jr.'s state visit to India this week has been marked by the formal establishment of a strategic partnership between the two nations, a move that elevates their bilateral relations to a new level. This partnership, the fifth of its kind for the Philippines, underscores the commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation across a spectrum of areas, including defense, security, trade, science and technology, and tourism. A key driver behind this enhanced collaboration is a shared concern over China's increasing maritime capabilities and assertive actions in the South China Sea.
The Philippines and India have a history of relations, and both countries support freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. India has also expressed support for the Philippines' maritime claims.
Echoing this sentiment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of the Philippines as a vital partner in India's "Act East Policy" and "Mahagasar" vision, both of which are geared towards strengthening ties with Southeast Asia, promoting regional stability, and counterbalancing China's growing influence. Modi stated that strengthening defense relations is a symbol of deep mutual trust, and maritime cooperation between the two countries is both natural and essential.
The burgeoning defense cooperation between the Philippines and India is manifesting in several concrete ways. The two countries recently concluded their first joint naval exercise in the South China Sea, a high-profile military deployment that, while intended to enhance tactical coordination and joint maritime capability, has also been interpreted as a signal to China. Furthermore, the Philippine military is eyeing the procurement of more weapons systems from India, drawn by the quality and affordability of Indian defense equipment. The Philippines has already purchased BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India, with the second batch of deliveries arriving in April of this year and more expected in the coming years. Manila is also reportedly in talks to purchase the shorter-range Akash missile.
In addition to these military-to-military engagements, the Philippines and India have agreed to establish mechanisms for service-to-service talks, information sharing, and training exchanges among their respective militaries. They will also foster Naval and Coast Guard interoperability via port calls in cooperative activities and capacity building in the maritime domain.
These developments occur against the backdrop of increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly concerning Taiwan. While the Philippines adheres to a One-China policy, its geographical proximity to Taiwan and its treaty obligations with the United States make it difficult to remain completely neutral in the event of a conflict. President Marcos Jr.'s acknowledgment of this reality suggests a preparedness to play a more active role in regional security, potentially including allowing the U.S. military to use Philippine bases.
The strategic partnership between the Philippines and India, therefore, represents a multifaceted approach to regional security. It combines enhanced bilateral defense cooperation, a shared commitment to a rules-based international order, and a tacit recognition of the need to prepare for potential contingencies in the Taiwan Strait. As the Indo-Pacific region navigates an era of increasing geopolitical complexity, this partnership is poised to play a significant role in shaping the regional security landscape.
