A second-half brace from Omang Dodum guided India to a convincing 3-0 victory over Pakistan in their opening Group B match of the SAFF U20 Championship, securing a semifinal berth on Thursday. Dodum scored in the 64th and 88th minutes after Vishal Yadav had given the Blue Colts an early lead in the
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has drawn a parallel between her party's fight against the BJP and the epic battle of the Pandavas and Kauravas. She expressed confidence in public support even if President's rule is imposed. The Election Commission is preparing supplementary voter lists
Meta, YouTube negligence: Years of evidence underpins Big Tech addiction fineThe bulk of the internal documentary evidence presented at trial related to Meta. Updated on: Mar 27, 2026 6:21 AM IST By HT Correspondent Share via Copy link New Delhi : A Los Angeles jury on Wednesday found Meta and
Deepak Tijori questions CBFC's logic behind ‘half-muted’ cuss words in Dhurandhar The Revenge: ‘Who are we protecting?’Deepak Tijori criticised the CBFC's half-muting of cuss words in the adult film Dhurandhar: The Revenge, questioning the rationale behind such censorship. Mar 27, 2026
Posters have surfaced across Lucknow comparing the Samajwadi Party’s rule in Uttar Pradesh to Pakistan’s “Lyari Raj", targeting Akhilesh Yadav with a reference to its depiction in the film Dhurandhar. The development comes days after a separate political jibe by Parvesh Verma
Google India and BCCI are joining forces for IPL 2026, integrating AI-powered Search Mode to revolutionize fan engagement. Cricket enthusiasts can now access real-time tactical analysis, historical data, and AI-generated summaries of key moments directly through Google Search and broadcasts
She hired workers to fix her roof, then allegedly reported crew to ICEThe Maryland resident called ICE on a crew of Guatemalan immigrants who were fixing her roof. Six workers aged between 18 and 40 were detained. Published on: Mar 27, 2026 7:07 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A woman
Samantha Ruth Prabhu dreams women negotiating contracts across film industries becomes 'most boring headline' somedaySamantha Ruth Prabhu shared how women adjust, sacrifice and apologise in their careers. The actor expressed her dreams for women in cinema. Mar 27, 2026
This August, the visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to India marked a historic milestone in the relations between the two nations. The President's visit, which took place between August 4-8, was the first such state visit since 2007. On August 5, India and the Philippines formally elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership, backed by a comprehensive bilateral Plan of Action (2025-2029) signed in New Delhi.
This August, the visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to India marked a historic milestone in the relations between the two nations. The President's visit, which took place between August 4-8, was the first such state visit since 2007.
On August 5, India and the Philippines formally elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership, backed by a comprehensive bilateral Plan of Action (2025-2029) signed in New Delhi.
In all, 13 memoranda and agreements were signed during Marcos Jr's visit. The partnership spans defence, maritime cooperation, trade, digital technologies, tourism, space cooperation, culture and science.
However, the transition from a prolonged historic stasis to the current phase of strategic dynamism has not been sudden. While India and the Philippines established bilateral diplomatic relations in 1949, thanks to Cold War politics, for decades, their partnership remained largely symbolic – anchored in mutual goodwill but unfulfilled potential.
Initial limitations were rooted in geographical distance, divergent regional priorities and systemic constraints. Over time, however, India's Look East policy, re-branded in 2014 as the Act East policy, began paving the way for more meaningful engagement through ASEAN frameworks, and India's initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and Security and Growth for All in the Region, whose acronym SAGAR means ocean in multiple Indian languages.
This was upgraded to MAHASAGAR, meaning the great ocean, in March 2025. The expanded acronym stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
As India and the Philippines celebrate 75 years of their bilateral ties, they stand stronger together at the cusp of making qualitative leaps in their relationship.
Unlike several of its Southeast Asian peers, the Philippines does not have a strong trade relationship with India. The defence and security partnership has thus become the central pillar of the New Delhi-Manila strategic alignment.This is aptly reflected in the agreement on the sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems to the Philippines. This makes it the first country to procure these missiles from India.
India's BrahMos cruise missile system, delivered in two batches (first in April 2024; second in April 2025), now empowers the Philippine Marine Corps with advanced coastal defence capability. This was India's first major defence export.
During Marcos' recent visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that defence cooperation is “a symbol of deep mutual trust”. In turn, Marcos emphasised the Philippines as a vital partner in India's Act East and “Mahasagar” vision. Manila is also eyeing procurement of the Akash surface-to-air missile system from India.
On the eve of President Marcos' visit, the Indian and Philippine navies conducted their first-ever joint exercises in the South China Sea on August 3-4. The drills were held inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, as part of Manila's broader efforts to counter China's maritime assertiveness.
India deployed three warships – INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan – while the Philippines fielded BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Jose Rizal. Chinese vessels reportedly followed the Indian-Philippine flotilla.
This shift signals a strategic evolution in India's posture toward the Indo‑Pacific. Barring a few exceptions, India had previously avoided direct mentions of the South China Sea. However, New Delhi now explicitly endorses adherence to the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award, drawing focus on upholding a rules-based maritime order.
For India, the South China Sea issue is no longer a peripheral concern, but is integral to its maritime and economic security as well as its regional leadership claims. The partnership with the Philippines is a tangible expression of India's Indo‑Pacific ambitions.
India's presence there through joint naval patrols and supplying BrahMos to the Philippines reflects an operational follow-through, not just a diplomatic alignment. The aim is deterrence and presenting a viable counterweight to China's claims in a region critical to global trade, through which about US$3 trillion worth of goods transit annually.
Manila's pursuit of deeper ties with extra-regional partners such as India represents a deliberate move to reduce dependence on any single ally (for example, the US), and forge multi-directional security and economic collaborations.
Looking at the South China Sea (or West Philippine Sea, as the part within Philippines' exclusive economic zone is called) issue from the Philippine perspective, it is clear that – barring perhaps Vietnam on occasion – no country has faced as much harassment over territorial claims at the hands of China as the Philippines has.
Recognising the need to balance China's assertiveness, both countries are prioritising maritime cooperation, information sharing and defence engagements to protect a rules-based order in the area.
Diversifying its security and defence partnerships would not only reduce the Philippines' dependency on any single country but also empower the Philippines and India to navigate the complex interplay of regional strategic dynamics effectively.
This strategic realignment extends into non-military domains too. For instance, India and the Philippines announced visa-free entry for Indian tourists and free e-visas for Filipino nationals, alongside plans for direct Delhi–Manila flights, expected to expand bilateral tourism and people-to-people exchanges. It has not gone unnoticed in Manila how Thailand and Malaysia offered visa-free entry to Indian tourists and as a result, saw great benefits in tourism. These recent moves promise to further strengthen people-to-people linkages between the two countries. .
The two sides have also agreed to launch a preferential trade negotiation, as bilateral trade remains modest (US$3.3 billion in 2024), but has abundant room for growth. This is in tune with the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement that was implemented in 2010. India-Philippines collaboration frameworks span space exploration, digital innovation, culture, health and agriculture, all underpinned by the 2025–29 Plan of Action.
India's strengths including IT, digital inclusion, pharmaceuticals, and space, align closely with Philippine development goals, positioning the partnership for substantive impact beyond security.
Once characterised by distant potential and limited interaction, the bilateral relationship between India and the Philippines is now evolving into a strong strategic partnership. In a changing Indo-Pacific region marked by increasing great-power rivalry, this partnership stands to benefit India's pursuit of its strategic objectives, and the Philippines' efforts for strategic diversification.
Dr Rahul Mishra is Associate Professor at the Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies, SIS, JNU, India, and a Senior Research Fellow at the German-Southeast Asian Centre of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance, Thammasat University, Thailand. He was formerly Director of the Centre for ASEAN Regionalism Universiti Malaya (CARUM), Malaysia. He is the Series Editor of the Palgrave Series in Indo-Pacific Studies. He can be reached at rahul.seas@gmail.com.
Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: Philippines President Marcos Begins First India Visit to Boost Defence Philippine President says 7 suspects in corruption scandal have been detained ICC judges find former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial Pisces Weekly Horoscope (25th August – 31st August) Aquarius Weekly Horoscope (18th August – 24th August) Pisces Weekly Horoscope (18th August – 24th August) Aquarius Weekly Horoscope (25th August – 31st August) Russian President Vladimir Putin Likely To Visit India At The End Of August China accuses Philippine vessels of Philippine VP Sara Duterte announces presidential run in 2028
A $100 crude scenario could trigger deep earnings cuts across Indian stocks UBS lists Tata Motors, IndiGo and OMCs as most vulnerable UBS highlights Indian stocks facing biggest earnings risk in a $100 oil scenario India sits among the markets facing pressure in a $100 per barrel oil world
1 days ago
The interruption of oil and gas supplied through the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Israel war with Iran has dramatically pushed up global energy prices. Petrol has gone up already and UK domestic heating bills are almost certain to follow. But it's not just fuel that's been impacted by the
1 days ago
Meet the A-list lawyer Luka Doncic is counting on to win his legal battle with Anamaria Goltes Updated on: Mar 27, 2026 7:28 AM IST Edited by Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan Share via Copy link Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball down court during the second half against the Indiana
1 days ago
Fasting can offer several health benefits, but knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when to start. “People can gain health benefits from fasting, but they must understand both the right time to begin and the right time to end it," says Dr. Sameer Bhati, Public Health Analyst
1 days ago
The campaigning in poll-bound West Bengal is in full swing, and amid the preparations, Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dilip Ghosh on Thursday promised a complete transformation and “Uttar Pradesh-style encounters" against criminals if the saffron regiment comes to power in the state
1 days ago
Iran on Thursday rejected the US’ proposal to end the war, referring to it as “one-sided and unfair". The proposal was “reviewed in detail on Wednesday night by senior Iranian officials and the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader," reported Reuters, citing an official
1 days ago
The initiative builds on existing SEBI measures, including validated UPI handles and a whitelist of stockbrokers’ mobile applications maintained by exchanges. New Delhi: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey launched the Verified App Label Initiative on
1 days ago
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday fielded the mother of the doctor who was raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital and Medical College in August 2024 as a candidate for the West Bengal Assembly elections. The mother of the doctor will contest the polls from the Panihati constituency
1 days ago
Not every Bollywood story is glamorous, and Aarti Chabria is saying it as it is. The actor recently spoke about how several of her roles were reduced or removed from films, calling it a part of industry realities she had to deal with during her career.Not every Bollywood story is glamorous
1 days ago
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that the consequences of the escalating conflict in West Asia could be difficult to predict and may end up having a global impact comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking amid growing international concern over the Iran-US-Israel conflict
1 days ago
PMC to expand healthcare network even as existing facilities remain underutilisedPMC has announced plans to expand its healthcare network with new cancer and multi-specialty hospitals, even as many of its existing facilities continue to remain underutilised Published on: Mar 27
1 days ago
The latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 confirm India’s growing strength on the global stage. This year, 12 Indian institutions have secured 27 positions in the global top 50 across various subjects – more than double the number in 2024
1 days ago
US president Donald Trump says he will meet Chinese president Xi Jinping in China on 14-15 May, after delaying the landmark trip amid the US-Israel war with Iran. This would be the first visit to China by a US president in nearly 10 years. Trump is also set to host Xi in Washington DC later this
1 days ago
US mortgage rates jump to 6.38% as Iran war rattles housing marketBorrowers with a $1 million loan would now pay about $6,242 per month, not including insurance and taxes. That is up from $5,983 in late February. Published on: Mar 26, 2026 10:51 PM IST Bloomberg Share via Copy link US mortgage
1 days ago
Nemom constituency is not stronghold of any party: V SivankuttyCPI(M) legislator V Sivankutty faces tough competition in Kerala's Nemom from BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Congress's KS Sabarinadhan in upcoming polls. Published on: Mar 27, 2026 7:04 AM IST By Vishnu Varma
1 days ago
Who is Ana Montana? Inside LaMelo Ball’s relationship, the 'toxic' post, and parenthood rumors Published on: Mar 27, 2026 7:13 AM IST Edited by Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan Share via Copy link Ana Montana is a successful model with over 3 million followers on Instagram
1 days ago
A former Indian Supreme Court Justice has informed the UK High Court about the risks faced by Nirav Modi. Justice Deepak Verma stated that Modi faces prolonged interrogation and a significant risk of custodial torture in India. This opinion was provided in response to Modi's plea to reopen his
1 days ago
Vaccination is often associated with childhood, but experts say protection against infections must extend far beyond the early years. From safeguarding newborns to protecting ageing adults, immunisation plays a critical role across every stage of life.Vaccination is often associated with childhood
1 days ago
Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's former company, Firestar Diamond International, is set to auction its precious inventory of gems and jewellery on April 27. The e-auction, under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, will feature natural loose diamonds and finished pieces
1 days ago
American Coco Gauff cruised past Karolina Muchova in straight sets to reach her first Miami Open final. The Florida-born 22-year-old dropped only two games to triumph 6-1 6-1 in one hour and 30 minutes. Having been broken in the first game, Gauff won 10 games in a row to take control of the match
1 days ago
The day before Wales faced Bosnia-Herzegovina in their World Cup play-off semi-final, their head coach said: "Do not get involved in chaos. A chaotic game will not suit us, it suits them." When the moment came to pass, when Wales had control, they did not heed those words
1 days ago
This is the second part of a debate on whether Hindi or English are weakening other Indian languages and constricting linguistic diversity. Read the first part here. English has done remarkable damage to India’s linguistic progress by stifling other Indian languages. Instead
1 days ago
When Ranvir Singh Yadav was sacked in 1976, he was a young bus conductor in Delhi with two sons to raise. The reason? The courts vindicated him four decades later, but not before he and the system had spent nearly ₹5 lakh in legal fees over a trivial sum.When Ranvir Singh Yadav was sacked in 1976
1 days ago
Royal Challengers Bengaluru is a prominent IPL team. They are recognized for their strong fan base and talented players. The team plays at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. They are known for their aggressive batting style. Rajat Patidar leads the team this season
1 days ago
The directive has been issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which has termed the practice an “unfair trade practice” under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. New Delhi: In a major relief for consumers, the government has directed hotels and restaurants to stop adding
1 days ago
Comedian Kunal Kamra took to his social media and took a jibe at YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia. While reacting to Ranveer’s long post, he called him a “stupid guy" and asked him to stop “pretending to be the nice guy." He also called Ranveer a “contraceptive for creativity
1 days ago
Ananya Panday turns heads at The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment soirée in a sculpted Maticevski Saucy Minx dress paired with Aquazzura pumps Ananya Panday delivers a masterclass in understated glamour at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment soirée
1 days ago
