Manila hails Delhi's defense capabilities, BrahMos project

Nine pacts signed as navies hold drills in SCS

- Divya A

CALLING INDIA AND the Philippines as two countries which are "friends by choice and partners by destiny", Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held talks Tuesday with visiting President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.

As Marcos underlined "satisfaction over the rapid pace of the Philippines' ongoing defense modernization and the expanding capabilities and footprint of India's indigenous defense industry as a partner in this undertaking, exemplified by our BrahMos project," the two countries, focusing on greater defense cooperation and maritime security, brought out a Plan of Action (2025-2029) to guide the strategic partnership over the next five years. They also agreed to start talks on a preferential trade agreement.