01 June 2016 - Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jose Rene D. Almendras received a 16-member senior delegation from India’s National Defence College (NDC) on May 27. The meeting highlighted prospects of deeper and more meaningful Philippines and India ties, particularly on the rule of law and in defense and security.

During the courtesy call by the NDC delegation headed by Major General Sunil Srivastava SDS (Army-II), Secretary Almendras described cooperation between the Philippines and India as “growing” and said that historical links and shared values should give bilateral relations renewed stronger momentum.

Stressing the need for collaboration between nations in an interconnected world, Secretary Almendras said India was the Philippines’ partner and friend.

Secretary Almendras pointed to India’s role in advancing the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of international disputes on maritime issues.

Secretary Almendras cited the Bay of Bengal case between India and Bangladesh brought to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, The Netherlands as proof that arbitration is a viable dispute settlement mechanism.

The 2014 decision of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on the delimitation of the maritime boundary between India and Bangladesh settled a long-running dispute with both countries saying they would abide by the decision.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said the ruling would “further enhance mutual understanding and goodwill between the neighbors by bringing to closure a long pending issue.”

The delegation from the National Defence College of India was in the Philippines on May 23-28, 2016 for a study tour as part of the National Security and Strategic Studies Course.

The National Defence College is a pioneer institute of its type in Asia. Inaugurated on April 27, 1960 by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India, NDC provides instruction to senior service and civil service officers in the wider aspects of higher direction and strategy. Today, NDC continues to provide future decision-makers with the necessary skills and background for filling senior positions in national security and associated fields. END