Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Philippines Strengthens Defence Ties with India
The Philippines is working closely with India to improve its defence capabilities.
They have bought advanced BrahMos missiles from India, which help protect the country.
The Philippines and India are also working together on other defence projects and training.
This cooperation is important because there are tensions in the South China Sea, where China and the Philippines have had conflicts.
The Philippines is also preparing to lead ASEAN in 2026 and will focus on issues like energy and food security.
India supports the Philippines and ASEAN, and both countries value the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, which helps settle disputes peacefully.
The Philippines has acquired BrahMos missiles from India, enhancing its defence capabilities.
Ambassador Josel F. Ignacio highlights India as a key partner in defence equipment and training.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Manila for ASEAN meetings, reinforcing India's support for ASEAN.
The Philippines will chair ASEAN in 2026, focusing on energy, food security, and conflict resolution.
Tensions in the South China Sea persist, with recent confrontations near Second Thomas Shoal.
- Who
- Philippines and India
- What
- Strengthening defence ties and cooperation
- When
- Ongoing, with recent developments and future plans
- Where
- Philippines and India, with focus on South China Sea
- Why
- To enhance defence capabilities, support ASEAN, and address regional tensions.
Philippines
China
South China Sea Dispute
Philippines
The Philippines asserts its legal rights over the Second Thomas Shoal, emphasizing that it is within its exclusive economic zone and that China has no law enforcement authority there.
China
China claims sovereignty over the South China Sea and has been involved in confrontations with Philippine forces, asserting its authority in the region.
- BrahMos Missile
- Supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia, acquired by the Philippines for credible deterrence.
- ASEAN Chairmanship
- Philippines will chair ASEAN in 2026 with the theme 'Navigating Our Future Together'.
- South China Sea Arbitral Award
- Landmark 2016 ruling that clarified provisions of UNCLOS, important for peaceful dispute settlement.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
- Expected to visit Manila for ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings, reinforcing India’s commitment to ASEAN.
- Second Thomas Shoal
- Site of a recent confrontation between Philippine and Chinese forces, within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.