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Philippines, India sign deals on defence, science, tourism

Philippine President Marcos thanked Indian PM Modi for his hospitality and formally announced the elevation of Philippines–India relations to a strategic partnership.

Luisa Cabato

Luisa Cabato

Philippine Daily Inquirer

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are formally welcomed by Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. PHOTO: POOL/PPA/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER

August 6, 2025

MANILA – The Philippines and India signed bilateral agreements in the areas of defense, science and technology, and tourism on Tuesday.

These were signed during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The agreements were formally presented during a ceremonial exchange between Philippine Cabinet Secretaries and Indian Ministers at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

READ: Marcos formalizes Philippines’ strategic partnership with India

The agreements are as follows:

  • Declaration on the establishment of a strategic partnership between the Republic of India and the Republic of the Philippines
  • Plan of action for implementation of strategic partnership between the Republic of India and the Republic of the Philippines, 2025-2029
  • Terms of reference between the Indian Air Force and the Philippine Air Force on Air Staff Talks
  • Terms of reference between the Indian Army and the Philippine Army on the Army-to-Army Staff Talks
  • Terms of reference between the Indian Navy and the Philippine Navy on the Navy-to-Navy Talks
  • Treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters between the government of the Republic of India and the government of the Republic of the Philippines
  • Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced Persons between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
  • Program of cooperation in the field of science and technology for the period 2025-2028 between the Department of Science and Technology of the Republic of India and the Department of Science and Technology of the Republic of the Philippines
  • Implementation program between the Department of Tourism of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Tourism of the Government of the Republic of India on Tourism Cooperation 2025-2028
  • Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on the cooperation in the field of digital technologies
  • Statement of intent between the Indian Space Research Organization, Republic of India, and the Philippine Space Agency, Philippines, on cooperation on the peaceful uses of outer space
  • Terms of reference for enhanced maritime cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard
  • Cultural exchange program between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines

In his statement, Modi described Marcos’ state visit as “significant,” highlighting the deep historical ties between the Philippines and India that date back to ancient times.

“Our diplomatic relations may be new, but our civilizations have been in contact since very ancient times. The Ramayana of the Philippines – Maharadia Lawana – is living proof of our centuries-old cultural relations,” Modi said in Hindi.

As bilateral trade between the two countries continues to grow—now surpassing the $3 billion mark—Modi emphasized the importance of completing the review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement “as soon as possible” to further strengthen economic ties.

He also announced that both nations have agreed to work toward a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement.

Modi said India would expand its support for the Philippines through more Quick Impact Projects and by cooperating on the development of sovereign data cloud infrastructure.

“We welcome the Philippines for joining the International Fusion Center built in India for the Indian Ocean region. We express our gratitude to the Philippine government and the President for strongly condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack and standing with us in our fight against terrorism,” he added.

Marcos thanked Modi for his hospitality and formally announced the elevation of Philippines–India relations to a strategic partnership.

“Today, our relationship enters a new epoch, as Prime Minister Modi and I formally launch the strategic partnership between the Philippines and India. For the Philippines, this is a momentous decision, for we take a very considered path to such elevated partnerships,” Marcos said.

Other strategic partners of the Philippines include Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Vietnam./mcm

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