Introduction
The fifth meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) was held in New Delhi, on June 29, 2023. Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar led their respective national delegations in the meeting. The two countries agreed to work together to further strengthen their bilateral partnership.[i]
Historical Context
Diplomatic relations were formally established between India and the Philippines on November 26, 1949, shortly after both countries gained independence. The relations between the two have been characterised by shares values such as a vibrant democratic polity, pluralistic society, rule of law, an independent judiciary, and the widespread use of the English language.[ii]
The implementation of the ‘Look East’ Policy in 1992, intensified engagement of India with ASEAN and countries in the region. Further, the Act-East Policy initiated in 2014 has led to the diversification of relationships with the Philippines venturing into security, trade and industry, as well as cultural realms. The current trajectory of the India-Philippines suggests a greater potential for strengthening cooperation in foreign policy, security, defence, trade, finance, tourism, health, and culture.
Overview of the Recent Visit
After the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, a joint statement was released highlighting the shared interest of both countries ministers to foster ongoing collaboration in defence. Their focus included regular or improved official-level engagement between defence agencies, establishing a resident Defense Attaché office in Manila, considering India’s offer of a concessional Line of Credit to meet the Philippines’ defence needs, procuring naval assets, and expanding joint exercises and training in areas such as maritime security and disaster response.[iii]
According to diplomatic sources, there exists substantial potential for the enhancement of defence collaboration between India and the Philippines, particularly in the realm of maritime security. This encompasses the possibility of joint arms sales and patrols.
In terms of maritime cooperation, the joint statement highlighted the importance of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Both ministers emphasized the need for the prompt implementation of the standard operating procedure for the White Shipping Agreement between the Indian Navy and the Philippines Coast Guard. Additionally, they expressed anticipation for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to enhance maritime cooperation between the coast guards of India and the Philippines.[iv]
Moreover, the two countries share a common view on Indo-Pacific, which is that it should be a region which is free and open and a region whose members promote peace and stability. Besides expanding cooperation in existing domains, new areas such as cyber security, artificial intelligence, and space cooperation were also discussed. The governments of both countries have agreed to begin negotiations on a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), which will reduce and eliminate tariffs on various goods.
Conclusion
The interests of India and the Philippines converge in terms of how the nations form strategic partnerships- to maximise geopolitical position and diplomatic networks in the region while preserving national interest. The significance of mutual interests has been highlighted in the recent meeting of the India-Philippines Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC). Therefore, as both countries continue to rise, the India-Philippine partnership will be further deepened and strengthened.
[i] Javier Joe Ismael, “Philippines, India agree to boost bilateral relations,” The Manila Times, July 1, 2023, https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/01/news/national/philippines-india-agree-to-boost-bilateral-relations/1898610 (Accessed on July 6, 2023)
[ii] “Brief on India-Philippines Bilateral Relations,” Embassy of India, Manila, Philippines, November 29, 2022,https://www.eoimanila.gov.in/eoi.php?id=india-philippines-bilateral-relations/ (Accessed July 6, 2023)
[iii]“Joint Statement on the 5th India-Philippines Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation,” Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, June 29, 2023, https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/36743/Joint+Statement+on+the+5th+IndiaPhilippines+Joint+Commission+on+Bilateral+Cooperation(Accessed on July 6, 2023)
[iv] Dinakar Peri, “Scope for joint sales, patrols through maritime cooperation between India and Philippines,” The Hindu, June 30, 2023, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/scope-for-joint-sales-patrols-through-maritime-cooperation-between-india-and-philippines/article67024383.ece (Accessed on July 6, 2023)
Authored By: Sonakshi Bhardwaj, Research Intern, USI, CS3
The author has very vividly expressed the recent bi lateral engagements between the two countries. Thanks for such an analysis.