PH, India militaries meet to ramp up defense ties in the face of Indo-Pacific challenges
Metro Manila, Philippines— The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Indian armed forces vowed to strengthen defense cooperation to address regional challenges.
The two sides met in Manila for the 5th Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) and 3rd Service-to-Service (STS) Meeting on Tuesday, Sept.10.
“Participants highlighted several collaborative initiatives, discussing achievements and identifying areas for future focus. Key topics included maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region,” the AFP said in a statement.
The two militaries emphasized the importance of enhancing operational coordination through joint exercises, training programs, and technology exchanges.
“These efforts aim to bolster the defense capabilities of both nations, ensuring a robust response to regional security challenges,” it added.
The Philippines and India have a Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 2006. It was enhanced after a decade in 2017 when Manila and New Delhi signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Industry and Logistics Cooperation.
In a previous interview with NewsWatch Plus, Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio said new aspects of bilateral ties are taking shape, particularly in security.
"Philippine-India relations have leveled up so much that they're now 'turbocharged,'" said Ignacio.
"The relationship took off economically, and now, may mga bago tayong aspeto ng ugnayan natin [We have new aspects of relations], especially in defense, which has enhanced maritime security," he added.
Ignacio said India has the capability to build its own defense equipment and systems.
"They now produce almost everything," he said. "They have aircraft, armaments, missiles, military trucks—so they can offer a lot."
Ignacio said the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are the lead agencies when it comes to defense procurement.
He added it remains to be seen whether the upgrading of defense ties will lead to similar agreements like those with the United States, Australia, and Japan.
"We're developing all aspects of defense. We have defense equipment training and exchanges for now, and we're culminating dialogues," said Ignacio.
India delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic missiles to the Philippines in April.
The Defense Department had said the missiles would provide "deterrence against attempts to undermine our sovereignty and sovereign rights, especially in the West Philippine Sea."
