Phl, India forge strategic partnership, ink 13 deals

The Philippines and India formally established a strategic partnership yesterday, paving the way for stronger bilateral ties and broader cooperation in various sectors.

- BY ALEXIS ROMERO

The declaration on the establishment of a strategic partnership was among 13 documents exchanged during the second day of President Marcos’ five-day state visit to India.

Marcos said the partnership would intensify cooperation in areas that Manila had not fully explored with New Delhi before, such as defense, trade and investment, health and tourism.

“I come at a crucial juncture in our bilateral partnership.

Today our relationship entered a new epoch as Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and I formally launched the strategic partnership between the Philippines and India. For the Philippines, this is a momentous decision, for we take a very considered path to such elevated partnerships,” the President said after his bilateral meeting with Modi.

The meeting makes India the Philippines’ fifth strategic partner after Japan, Vietnam, Australia and South Korea.