Philippines, India mark strategic leap in 75 years of ties amid China tensions

By Sam Beltran

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s state visit to India has culminated in the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, marking a symbolic high point as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Beyond the ceremony, analysts say the trip reflects a growing convergence between Manila and New Delhi on maritime security, defence cooperation and economic resilience – a relationship shaped by shared democratic values, overlapping interests in the Indo-Pacific, and parallel tensions with China.

“As this year marks 75 years of India-Philippines diplomatic relations, President Marcos Jnr’s visit will be seen as a landmark in the bilateral relationship,” Pooja Bhatt, associate professor at the Jindal School of International Affairs, told This Week in Asia.

On Tuesday, Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos were formally welcomed at the presidential residence in Delhi, Rashtrapati Bhavan, following a meeting the previous day between Marcos and the Filipino community in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the two leaders held wide-ranging talks on Tuesday, discussing “mutual cooperation, regional issues, and international situations in detail”.

Source : SCMP