The Philippines is increasingly open to procuring more defense systems from India, including additional BrahMos missiles, as it grapples with ongoing tensions with China in the South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent state visit to India underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, with defense and maritime cooperation high on the agenda.
Marcos' visit, which concluded August 6, 2025, saw discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on strengthening defense ties, maritime security, and trade cooperation. The Philippines has expressed interest in acquiring more defense equipment from India, beyond the BrahMos missile systems already being supplied. In 2022, the Philippines became the first foreign buyer of India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in a $375 million deal. The first batch of these missiles was delivered in April 2025. Philippine Air Force Chief Romeo Brawner has cited the "quality and affordability" of Indian defense systems as a key factor in considering further purchases.
This growing defense cooperation is a direct response to the Philippines' ongoing maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea, which Filipinos refer to as the West Philippine Sea. China's increasing assertiveness in the region has led the Philippines to strengthen its defense partnerships with countries like India and Japan to promote regional stability. This includes the first-ever joint maritime drills between India and the Philippines, conducted within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. These drills, and Marcos' visit, occurred simultaneously, projecting the mutual interests of both countries in the South China Sea.
China has reacted strongly to these developments, accusing the Philippines of "rallying an external country to interfere in the SCS" through joint patrols. The Chinese military has asserted that it is conducting routine patrols in the South China Sea and will take resolute countermeasures against any provocations.
India's strategic partnership with the Philippines also serves its own interests. By helping Manila build its defense capabilities, India is countering China's influence in the region, especially as China is a major defense supplier to Pakistan. Moreover, the Philippines' purchase of the BrahMos system has enhanced India's credibility as an arms supplier. Two other ASEAN countries, Indonesia and Vietnam, are reportedly in talks with India regarding the BrahMos missile.
Beyond defense, India and the Philippines are also seeking to enhance their trade relationship. Bilateral trade has surpassed $3 billion, and both nations are working towards finalizing a preferential trade agreement. Talks are also underway for India to import Philippine nickel, a critical mineral used in steel and defense production. India has also offered oil and gas consultancy support to the Philippines.
The elevation of India-Philippines relations to a strategic partnership signifies a new phase of cooperation, with a focus on expanding defense, security, and maritime collaboration. This partnership is underpinned by shared values and a commitment to upholding international maritime law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. As tensions in the South China Sea persist, the Philippines' openness to procuring Indian defense systems reflects its determination to safeguard its interests and maintain regional stability.
