As India and the Philippines mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted the rapid expansion of bilateral ties across key sectors, including renewable energy, maritime security, AI, cybersecurity, and healthcare. Speaking to ANI, Manalo reaffirmed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region while emphasizing the deep-rooted partnership between the two nations.
“In the last four or five years, our relationship has grown by leaps and bounds. We have expanded cooperation in various sectors, including renewable energy, maritime cooperation, IT, pharmaceuticals, and health security. We strongly believe the Indo-Pacific should remain a region that fosters peace, prosperity, and security,” Manalo said.
During his visit to India, Manalo met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Raisina Dialogue 2025, where they discussed connectivity, maritime cooperation, and deepening India-ASEAN ties. Following their meeting, Jaishankar posted on X, saying, “Had a wide-ranging discussion on connectivity, maritime, infrastructure, and deepening our ASEAN partnership.”
Manalo also revealed that a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) is under discussion, with the Philippines eager to strengthen trade ties with India. Addressing Indian business leaders at a FICCI event, he outlined key sectors for collaboration, including automotive, batteries, IT-enabled services, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
In a major investment pitch, the Philippines invited India to source nickel for battery manufacturing, as part of its effort to diversify away from China, which currently accounts for 98% of its nickel exports. With India importing $707 million worth of raw nickel from Russia, Norway, and Japan, Manalo stressed the potential for a stronger India-Philippines supply chain.
“We see a natural complementarity between our economies that remains largely unexploited,” he noted, urging the acceleration of PTA negotiations that have been under discussion for two years.
Bilateral trade between India and the Philippines surged to $3.5 billion in 2024, almost doubling in recent years. FICCI President Harsha Vardhan Agarwal noted India’s pharmaceutical dominance in the Philippine market, accounting for 20% of Indian pharma exports to Asia.
Manalo also underscored new collaboration areas, including waste management, green mobility, and agricultural technology, alongside a growing defense partnership, following India’s delivery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines in April 2024.
To facilitate business travel, the Philippines has introduced an e-visa system for Indian visitors, with additional improvements under discussion. Philippine Ambassador Josel Francisco Ignacio confirmed fast-track visa processes for Indian investors and business travelers.
With expanding economic, security, and technological ties, India and the Philippines are poised for a stronger strategic partnership, reinforcing their commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
