Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is on a five-day state visit to India. He is meeting PM Modi on Tuesday. Discussions are likely to focus on defence, maritime security, and trade.
The Philippines may acquire more defence systems from India. In April, India delivered the second batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, part of a $375 million agreement signed in 2022, for three missile batteries.
The Philippines continues to face maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea, referred domestically as the West Philippine Sea. It is strengthening its partnerships with India and Japan to promote stability in the region.
Bilateral trade between India and the Philippines has crossed $3 billion. Both nations are seeking to enhance trade relationships even as they seek to finalise a deal with the US which has imposed 25% on Indian goods and 19% on Philippine products.
India is expanding its defence outreach in SE Asia. Indonesia and Vietnam are negotiating potential deals of $450 and $625 million for BrahMos missiles. In 2022, India supplied Vietnam with 12 high speed guard boats under a $100 million line of credit.
Will India’s defence outreach to SE Asia and Japan’s increased defence spending lead to increased stability in the region? Views would be welcome.