Marcos hails Operation Sindoor, seeks deeper India defence ties

Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr lauded India’s Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of how military preparedness and joint exercises are vital for regional security, calling it a clear signal of the need for a “like-minded coalition” to uphold global borders.

In an interview with Firstpost, Marcos said his ongoing India visit has taken bilateral ties to “a new phase,” with defence cooperation firmly on the table, including the procurement of more BrahMos missiles.

WATCH: Exclusive: Philippine President on Ties with India, China, US & Trump | Marcos on Firstpost | N18G

Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a very impressive man,” Marcos said their meeting underscored shared strategic goals, especially in countering unilateral actions in the Indo-Pacific. He emphasised that the Philippines is not preparing for war but responding to existing challenges.

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“Everything is on the table,” he said, referring to modernisation of the military. He noted that India’s performance during Operation Sindoor had prompted the Philippines to seek further defence engagement, adding, “We contacted counterparts in India… the system worked very well, no doubt.”

India and the Philippines on Tuesday decided to elevate their ties to a Strategic Partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr agreeing for expeditious conclusion of the negotiations of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between India and the Philippines for further promotion of mutual trade.

The two countries agreed to enhance defence cooperation, with President Marcos thanking PM Modi for cooperation in the area of defence industry and export of platforms, including the BrahMos.

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The diplomatic relationship between the two countries was established in November 1949. Both countries are now celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Economic and commercial engagement is an important aspect of the India-Philippines bilateral relationship. Bilateral trade between India and the Philippines reached 3.5 billion USD in 2023-24. There is a notable presence of Indian companies in the Philippines, in the areas of IT and ITES, health-care and pharmaceuticals, textiles, infrastructure, FMCG, chemicals, automobiles, agriculture, among others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that India will be offering free e-visas to Filipino tourists, in a reciprocal move following the Philippines’ decision to grant visa-free entry to Indian nationals.