India and the Philippines have elevated their bilateral cooperation to a strategic partnership, marking a significant milestone in their diplomatic relations. This development was announced on August 5 (Tuesday) during the state visit of the President of the Philippines to India.
The new strategic partnership aims for a greater thrust on increasing interaction among the armed forces and expanding cooperation across various sectors. These include political dialogue, defence, security, maritime cooperation, science, technology, and agriculture. The President of the Philippines was accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This enhanced partnership is guided by a new Plan of Action for 2025-2029, adopted on August 5 (Tuesday). It seeks to strengthen joint efforts in combating terrorism, violent extremism, radicalisation, and transnational organised crimes, including trafficking in narcotics and human trafficking. Both nations also committed to expanding cooperation in hydrography and promoting coordination between maritime authorities and law enforcement agencies.
