India and the Philippines have upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership. This decision followed a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on 05 August. The two nations have agreed to a five-year action plan and signed 14 agreements to increase cooperation in trade, defence, and connectivity. Notable initiatives include the Philippines being the first foreign buyer of India’s BrahMos cruise missile, the posting of a Philippine liaison officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre, and discussions on a bilateral preferential trade agreement.