Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. began a four-day state visit to India today. This visit is his first to India since taking office. It comes at a time when both countries have started their first joint maritime drills in the South China Sea — a region marked by growing Chinese aggression.

The visit, which will last until Friday, is taking place at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Officials from the Philippines said the main goal of the trip is to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with India. They added that this engagement comes at a time when global uncertainty is rising.

High-Level Meetings Planned During the Visit

During his stay, President Marcos Jr. will meet several key Indian leaders. These include President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Health Minister J. P. Nadda. He is scheduled to meet Jaishankar on August 4. The following day, he will pay tribute at Raj Ghat before heading to Hyderabad House for formal bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi.

India and Philippines Launch Joint Maritime Drills

While President Marcos Jr. visits India, the Philippines has begun its first joint maritime exercises with India in the South China Sea. The drills started on August 3, with Indian Navy ships leaving Manila Harbor. Officials call the drills “maritime cooperative activity.”

At a reception aboard INS Shakti on July 31, Philippine officials said, “This historic visit of the Indian naval ships and the upcoming maiden maritime cooperation activity collectively set a positive tone for the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India next week, underscoring the deepening partnership and expanding cooperation between our two nations.”

Indian Naval Ships in the Philippines for the First Time

The Indian Navy’s guided missile destroyer INS Delhi, fleet tanker INS Shakti, and anti-submarine corvette INS Kiltan reached Manila on July 30. Another ship, the surveillance vessel INS Sandhayak, arrived in the Philippine capital on August 1.

Indian Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran Jain remarked, “The visit of the Indian naval ships to the Philippines is a powerful testament to the enduring friendship and growing maritime cooperation between the two countries. It also symbolises our shared commitment to the freedom of navigation and a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.”

Philippines Describes Patrol as a Strong Message

Philippine Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. described the upcoming joint patrol as “a clear demonstration of our mutual resolve to safeguard freedom of navigation and uphold the law of the sea.”
He also noted that the Philippines has held similar coordinated patrols with the United States, Australia, Japan, France, and Canada.

General Brawner said, “As we stand watch over a region vital to global trade and security, we do not do so in isolation, but in partnership with nations who share our values.”

Strong Defence Ties Between the Two Nations

India and the Philippines have shared close defence ties for many years. This was seen clearly in January 2022, when the Philippines became the first foreign country to purchase the BrahMos missile system from India. The deal was worth $374.9 million.