India and the Philippines on Tuesday officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, a move Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a reflection of the deep trust and shared vision between the two democracies.
The announcement was made following high-level talks between Prime Minister Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, who is on his first state visit to India since assuming office in 2022.
“It is a pleasure to announce that our ties have now been raised to the level of a strategic partnership,” PM Modi said.
A comprehensive roadmap has also been created to transform this potential into tangible outcomes over the coming years. Marking 75 years of diplomatic engagement between the two nations, the leaders unveiled a commemorative postage stamp celebrating the milestone. President Marcos’ visit comes at a symbolic time, reinforcing historical bonds while charting a new course of regional cooperation. In a strong show of solidarity, Modi thanked the Philippines for its unequivocal condemnation of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.
He praised Manila for standing with India in its fight against terrorism. “India and the Philippines are not just friends by coincidence — we are partners with a shared destiny.
“From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, we are connected by common values and aspirations,” the Prime Minister stated.
He also reiterated Manila’s significance in India’s Act East Policy and its maritime-focused MAHASAGAR vision, aimed at fostering peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
“Our commitment to a rules-based international order and the freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific remains unwavering,” PM Modi emphasised. Earlier in the day, President Marcos Jr was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi.
The official welcome included a Guard of Honour, underscoring the importance of the visit. Calling it “a special welcome for a special partner,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared visuals and highlights of the ceremonial reception.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on social media, noting that India and the Philippines are bound by strong civilisational ties and growing people-to-people links.
“Comprehensive discussions lie ahead to further strengthen this enduring friendship and our robust bilateral ties,” Jaiswal stated. Speaking to the media at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Marcos Jr reflected on the evolving geopolitical landscape, noting that the term Indo-Pacific more accurately represents the current dynamics of the region, replacing the earlier nomenclature of Asia-Pacific.
Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-ranking delegation comprising several ministers and top officials, the Philippine President’s state visit will continue through August 8.
His trip not only marks a new chapter in diplomatic relations but also signals growing alignment between the two countries on strategic, economic, and regional issues.