New delhi: India and the Philippines have elevated their bilateral relations to a "strategic partnership" and enhanced their maritime cooperation. This development occurred as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in New Delhi for talks.

According to Anadolu Agency, Modi and Marcos witnessed the exchange of the plan of action for 2025-29, which outlines the implementation of their strategic partnership. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal shared on X that the discussions covered various aspects, with several important documents exchanged in areas such as space, tourism, culture, science and technology, and digital technologies.

During his remarks to the press, Modi emphasized that strengthening defense relations symbolizes deep mutual trust and underscored the importance of maritime cooperation between the two maritime nations. Earlier this year, India exported the second batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, further cementing their defense ties.

Modi highlighted India's commitment to peace, security, prosperity, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, reiterating support for freedom of navigation in accordance with international laws. The two countries also agreed to work toward a bilateral preferential trade agreement.

Marcos' visit to New Delhi coincided with India joining the Philippines for a two-day maritime drill in the disputed South China Sea for the first time. This joint exercise prompted a rival drill by China, which has competing claims with Manila over the resource-rich waters.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun commented on the drills, stating that disputes over territory and maritime rights should be resolved through negotiation and consultation between the directly concerned countries, without interference from third parties.