5th India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation 

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Context

• Defence Secretary to co-chair 5th India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting in Manila.

About

• The visit assumes significance as India and Philippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of India’s Act East Policy. 
• The JDCC construct has been established under the ambit of the Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation signed between the two countries in 2006. 

Overview of India- Philippines Relations

• Establishment: India and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations in 1949, shortly after both countries gained independence [Philippines in 1946 and India in 1947]. 
• Look East and Act East Policy: When India launched the Look East Policy and intensified partnership with ASEAN in 1992, this also resulted in stronger relations with countries in the region including the Philippines, both bilaterally and in the regional context.
  • With the Act East Policy initiated in 2014, the relationship with Philippines has diversified further into political-security; trade and industry and people-to-people realms. 
• Defence ties were significantly enhanced with the signing in 2022 of a contract worth US$ 374.9 million to supply the BrahMos missile system. 
  • The two countries also signed an MoU on Defence Industry and Logistics cooperation in 2017 and have also set up a separate Joint Defence Industry and Logistics Committee (JDILC) under the MoU.
• Bilateral trade between India and Philippines (in terms of value) increased from USD 1.89 billion in 2015-16 to USD 3.05 billion in 2022-23, crossing USD 3 billion mark for the first time.
  • In  2022, an Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Custom Matters was signed which would facilitate trade.
  • MOU for constitution of JWG on Cooperation in Financial Technology was signed in 2023. This would facilitate partnership between India and Philippines in the fields of digital payments, financial inclusion, fintech and related areas.
• The Indian community in the Philippines is estimated to be around 1,50,000. Punjabis and Sindhis constitute the bulk of the community. 

Significance of Philippines for India

• Strategic and Security Interests: The Philippines is a key player in Southeast Asia, a region of strategic importance to India.
  • The two countries share common interests in maintaining freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and countering regional security threats. 
  • India’s Look East Policy and its Act East Policy are aimed at strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, to enhance regional stability and cooperation.

• Economic Opportunities: The Philippines is an emerging market with potential for trade and investment.
  • Both countries are exploring opportunities for cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, education, and tourism.
• Regional Cooperation: Both countries are members of regional forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the East Asia Summit.
  • Their collaboration in these forums is important for addressing regional challenges and promoting economic integration.

Way Ahead

• The geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly concerns about maritime security and China’s growing influence, have led both nations to explore deeper strategic and defense collaborations. 
• Both nations share common interests in regional forums like ASEAN, the East Asia Summit, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. 
• India’s strength in technology and innovation, coupled with the Philippines’ growing tech sector, presents opportunities for collaboration in areas such as IT, digital economy, and start-ups. 
• Continued efforts in these areas could lead to a robust and multifaceted partnership.

Source: PIB