Philippines to Strengthen Defence Procurement from India as Strategic Partnership Grows

India and the Philippines are set to strengthen their defence and strategic ties as Manila shows increased interest in acquiring additional military equipment from India. This development comes as the two nations deepen their relationship, reflecting growing mutual trust, shared maritime interests, and comprehensive cooperation.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a summit that is likely to yield significant agreements in the areas of defence, development, and trade. Central to their discussions is the Philippines’ growing defence collaboration with India, highlighted by the ongoing delivery of the BrahMos cruise missile systems, a collaborative product of India and Russia, to the Philippine military.

Philippine Armed Forces Chief Romeo Brawner has commended the quality and affordability of Indian defence equipment, confirming that two additional BrahMos missile systems are expected to be delivered in the coming years. These acquisitions align with Manila's strategic objective to bolster its defence capabilities in the West Philippine Sea amid heightened tensions with China.

India, which faces its own border challenges with China, has been a staunch advocate for regional stability and supports the enforcement of international rulings, including the 2016 arbitral tribunal decision that refuted China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea.

This week, India is anticipated to engage in a joint maritime patrol with the Philippines in the South China Sea. This operational development signifies a move towards enhanced security cooperation, reinforcing both countries’ dedication to upholding a rules-based maritime order.

India has also provided a concessional Line of Credit to the Philippines for defence procurements, potentially including naval assets, while also increasing joint training and maritime security exercises. These initiatives aim to institutionalize defence cooperation and bolster regional deterrence.

Outside of defence, India is involved in developmental partnerships through six ongoing Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the Philippines, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, disaster risk reduction, and livelihood support. These efforts are part of a February 2023 Memorandum of Understanding, highlighting India’s role as a committed development partner.

The upcoming Marcos-Modi summit is also expected to result in six agreements covering science and technology, law, and culture, further expanding the scope of bilateral collaboration.

On the economic front, India and the Philippines have experienced a surge in trade, with bilateral trade volumes surpassing the $3 billion mark for the first time in 2022–2023. Negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement are in progress, aimed at deepening economic connections and serving as a buffer against global trade challenges, including tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Indian and Philippine goods.

Both New Delhi and Manila are carefully managing their relations with the U.S. and China while enhancing their cooperation with each other. As they strive to avoid involvement in major power conflicts, their alignment on maritime security and economic resilience provides a strong basis for future collaboration.

The partnership between India and the Philippines stands at a strategic turning point, characterized by growing defence cooperation, practical developmental assistance, and a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.