Philippines and India Forge Stronger Ties in High-Level Dialogues

NEW DELHI 11 September 2024 - The Philippines and India convened the 14th Policy Consultation Talks and 5th Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on 9 September 2024, further strengthening bilateral ties and marking a significant milestone ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in November this year.

“We are committed to sustaining the positive momentum of our ties as we begin discussions on the elevation of our bilateral relationship to mirror and project its increasingly strategic complexion on its 75th year,” said Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, co-chair of the talks, emphasizing the significance of reinforcing the Philippines-India partnership.

The meetings were co-chaired by Undersecretary Lazaro and Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary-East of India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The Policy Consultation Talks and Strategic Dialogue are part of ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation across a range of sectors and to exchange views on pressing regional and international issues.

The institutionalization of these consultations began in 2000 with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Policy Consultation Talks, following ad hoc consultations in 1994, 1997, 1998, and 1999. Since then, the meetings have been held alternately in Manila and New Delhi, serving as a platform for senior officials to review and advance bilateral relations, and reaffirm both countries’ commitment to enhancing their partnership for mutual benefit and regional stability.

This year’s discussions covered an extensive range of cooperation areas, including defense and security, maritime affairs, trade, development, science and technology, education, cultural exchanges, and consular matters. On the 10th anniversary of India’s Act East Policy, the talks underscored the deepening of engagement between the Philippines and India within this strategic framework.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments, focusing on ASEAN affairs, the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, Ukraine, Myanmar, West Asia, and multilateral cooperation under regional and international fora.

The Philippine delegation included Undersecretary Pablo M. Lorenzo of the Department of National Defense; Ambassador Josel F. Ignacio of the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi; Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau and DOF Assistant Secretary Donalyn Minimo. The Indian delegation was composed of Joint Secretaries from the Ministry of External Affairs’ South Division, Foreign Trade-ASEAN, Counter-Terrorism Division, Indo-Pacific Division, and Disarmament & International Security Affairs, along with the Joint Secretaries from the Ministry of Defense (International Cooperation) and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), and representatives from the Department of Commerce. END