THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, August 5: India and the Philippines on Tuesday elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, marking a major milestone in their 75-year diplomatic journey.
The announcement came after bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in New Delhi.
Highlighting the significance of the move, Modi said, “It is a matter of pleasure that today we have decided to elevate our relations to the status of a strategic partnership. A comprehensive action plan has also been formulated to translate the potential of this partnership into results.”
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The leaders also unveiled a commemorative postage stamp to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Modi expressed gratitude to the Philippine government for condemning the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, reaffirming Manila’s support for India in the fight against terrorism.
Calling the Philippines “an important partner in India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision,” Modi emphasized shared values and strategic alignment across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
“India and the Philippines are friends by choice and partners by destiny. From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, we are united by shared values. Ours is not just a friendship of the past, it is a promise to the future,” he said.
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Reiterating India’s commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, Modi stressed support for a rules-based order and freedom of navigation under international law. He noted that strengthening defence ties between the two nations reflects the depth of mutual trust and shared aspirations.
