Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is scheduled to visit India from August 4-8, 2025, in a move expected to significantly boost defense and economic ties between the two nations. This visit, his first since assuming office in 2022, underscores the growing strategic convergence between India and the Philippines, particularly in defense and maritime security cooperation.
The visit coincides with the first-ever joint naval exercise between India and the Philippines in the South China Sea, signaling a strengthened commitment to regional security. This Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), scheduled for August 3-4, will be conducted in waters off the West Philippine Sea, near the Scarborough Shoal, a contested area between Manila and Beijing. The exercise is seen as a demonstration of India's support for freedom of navigation and a rules-based Indo-Pacific order. India will deploy three warships, including a guided missile destroyer and an anti-submarine warfare vessel, while the Philippines will deploy two warships. The drills will focus on enhancing interoperability and maritime cooperation. Indian naval assets, including reconnaissance aircraft, helicopters, and drones, will join their Philippine counterparts in practicing key wartime and surveillance drills. These may include Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD) maneuvers. Four Indian Navy ships are also expected to make a port call in the Philippines.
During his visit, President Marcos is expected to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 5 to discuss maritime security, defense procurement, economic engagement, and regional cooperation. Diplomatic sources suggest that the bilateral relationship may be elevated to a Strategic Partnership. On August 6, Marcos will deliver a speech on the Philippines and India as partners for a rules-based order at an event organized by a think tank. The latter half of the visit will see President Marcos traveling to Bangalore on August 7 and 8 for a series of engagements with Indian business leaders and technology firms, furthering ties in startups, clean energy, fintech, and digital innovation. He will be accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation, including senior officials from the defense, finance, law, justice, and trade ministries.
Defense cooperation is a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. The Philippines was the first foreign customer of India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, with a $375 million contract signed in 2022. India has also offered its Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas Mk-1A, as part of the Philippines' tender to acquire combat aircraft and has indicated a willingness to partner with the Philippines in joint defense production. India is already assisting the Philippines with capacity building by providing military education and training to its personnel. In November 2023, India offered seven helicopters to the Philippines Coast Guard for humanitarian and security missions.
India and the Philippines have been strengthening their defense relationship in recent years, driven by shared concerns over China's assertiveness in the region. In September 2024, the Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) was elevated to the secretary level. India has also consistently endorsed the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that invalidated China's claims in the South China Sea.
Economic and commercial engagement is also an important aspect of the bilateral relationship. Bilateral trade reached $3.5 billion in 2023-24. The Philippines is keen to attract more Indian tourists and has announced visa-free travel for Indian nationals. Direct flights between the two countries are expected to begin in October.
The growing defense and maritime ties between Manila and Delhi are expected to elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. This visit by President Marcos Jr. is a significant step towards deeper cooperation and a stronger partnership between India and the Philippines.
