India-Philippines Relations Upgraded to a 'Strategic Partnership'
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India-Philippines, Act East Policy, Association of Southeast Asian Nations - ASEAN, South China Sea dispute, UN Convention on the Law of the Sea - UNCLOS), Security (Naval Exercises, Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region - IFC-IOR).
Mains:
GS Paper 2: India and its neighborhood- relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Key Highlights from the News
During the visit of Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. to India, the two countries elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.
Both countries decided to increase cooperation in the defense and maritime sectors.
Prime Minister Modi described the Philippines as a key partner in India's Act East Policy.
Both countries supported freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and a rules-based international order.
It was decided to initiate discussions for a preferential trade agreement and to start direct flight services between the two countries.
Agreements were also signed on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and the transfer of prisoners.
India invited the Philippines to India's Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region for sharing information in the Indian Ocean region.
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