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The two countries share complementarities as vibrant democracies and fast-growing economies in the Indo-Pacific region
Noting the expanding scope of ties, India and the Philippines have decided to work together to strengthen the bilateral partnership in areas like defence as well as trade and investment, including working towards a Preferential Trade Agreement.
Co-chairing the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in New Delhi on Thursday (June 29, 2023), Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Filipino Foreign Secretary Enrique A Manalo carried out a thorough review of activities across a wide spectrum.
"Our agenda today covered defence, maritime security , counter-terrorism and transnational crimes. As also our growing economic ties, including in trade & investments; development cooperation; health & pharma; tourism; air services; agriculture; fintech; S&T and space cooperation.
Noted the importance of greater people to people ties, specifically in tourism and education sectors.
Recognized our strong collaboration in ASEAN and in multilateral forums. As Indo-Pacific countries, underlined our strong convergence on key issues," EAM Jaishankar tweeted after the meeting.
According to a joint press statement issued after the meeting, both Ministers noted the expanding scope of India-Philippines ties and agreed to work together to further strengthen the bilateral partnership. They noted the complementarities the two countries share as vibrant, youthful democracies and fast-growing economies in the Indo-Pacific region.
During their discussions, they recalled the intent expressed by President of the Philippines Ferdinand R Marcos Jr and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during their telephone conversation on August 5, 2022 to forge a wide-ranging partnership spanning developmental sectors such as health, agriculture and the digital economy as well as cooperation in defense and security.
Here are some key takeaways from the JCBC meeting according to the joint press statement:
* On Defence Cooperation, both Ministers expressed keen interest to continue to work together in this sector, including through the regular or upgraded official level interaction among defense agencies, opening of the resident Defense Attaché office in Manila, consideration of India’s offer for concessional Line of Credit to meet Philippines’ defense requirements, acquisition of naval assets, and expansion of training and joint exercises on maritime security and disaster response, among others.
* They expressed satisfaction at the growing pace of bilateral trade, which had for the first time crossed the level of USD 3 billion in 2022-23, and agreed to commence negotiations on a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement.
* Both Ministers welcomed the bilateral Maritime Dialogue and the increased cooperation on hydrography.
* EAM Jaishankar and SFA Manalo encouraged early negotiations for a bilateral Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on Criminal Matters and a Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced Persons. It was agreed that the first round of talks would be held in the Philippines in August 2023.
* They took note of the ratification of the Agreement on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of Quick Impact Projects (QIP) in the Philippines signed in February 2023. EAM Jaishankar underlined India’s commitment to share its digital innovations for the benefit of local communities in the Philippines across sectors such as disaster resilience, health, water, environment protection, education and others.
* The Filipino Foreign Secretary highlighted that India is one of the Philippines’ priority foreign partners in science and technology. They noted that a new Programme of Cooperation (POC) on S&T for 2023-2026 has been finalized and recommended continued engagement in this area.
* The two ministers underlined that both countries have a shared interest in a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. They underlined the need for peaceful settlement of disputes and for adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea in this regard.
Co-chairing the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in New Delhi on Thursday (June 29, 2023), Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Filipino Foreign Secretary Enrique A Manalo carried out a thorough review of activities across a wide spectrum.
"Our agenda today covered defence, maritime security , counter-terrorism and transnational crimes. As also our growing economic ties, including in trade & investments; development cooperation; health & pharma; tourism; air services; agriculture; fintech; S&T and space cooperation.
Noted the importance of greater people to people ties, specifically in tourism and education sectors.
Recognized our strong collaboration in ASEAN and in multilateral forums. As Indo-Pacific countries, underlined our strong convergence on key issues," EAM Jaishankar tweeted after the meeting.
According to a joint press statement issued after the meeting, both Ministers noted the expanding scope of India-Philippines ties and agreed to work together to further strengthen the bilateral partnership. They noted the complementarities the two countries share as vibrant, youthful democracies and fast-growing economies in the Indo-Pacific region.
During their discussions, they recalled the intent expressed by President of the Philippines Ferdinand R Marcos Jr and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during their telephone conversation on August 5, 2022 to forge a wide-ranging partnership spanning developmental sectors such as health, agriculture and the digital economy as well as cooperation in defense and security.
Here are some key takeaways from the JCBC meeting according to the joint press statement:
* On Defence Cooperation, both Ministers expressed keen interest to continue to work together in this sector, including through the regular or upgraded official level interaction among defense agencies, opening of the resident Defense Attaché office in Manila, consideration of India’s offer for concessional Line of Credit to meet Philippines’ defense requirements, acquisition of naval assets, and expansion of training and joint exercises on maritime security and disaster response, among others.
* They expressed satisfaction at the growing pace of bilateral trade, which had for the first time crossed the level of USD 3 billion in 2022-23, and agreed to commence negotiations on a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement.
* Both Ministers welcomed the bilateral Maritime Dialogue and the increased cooperation on hydrography.
* EAM Jaishankar and SFA Manalo encouraged early negotiations for a bilateral Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on Criminal Matters and a Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced Persons. It was agreed that the first round of talks would be held in the Philippines in August 2023.
* They took note of the ratification of the Agreement on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of Quick Impact Projects (QIP) in the Philippines signed in February 2023. EAM Jaishankar underlined India’s commitment to share its digital innovations for the benefit of local communities in the Philippines across sectors such as disaster resilience, health, water, environment protection, education and others.
* The Filipino Foreign Secretary highlighted that India is one of the Philippines’ priority foreign partners in science and technology. They noted that a new Programme of Cooperation (POC) on S&T for 2023-2026 has been finalized and recommended continued engagement in this area.
* The two ministers underlined that both countries have a shared interest in a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. They underlined the need for peaceful settlement of disputes and for adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea in this regard.
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