The name of Indian supersonic cruise missile BrahMos has now become an international strategic resource, not only a symbol of India’s strength. The success of this missile in Operation Sindoor attracted the attention of the whole world. During this operation, the Indian Army thwarted the China -made air defense system, targeting Pakistani bases. Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marmocos Jr. was impressed by this success amidst visit to India. He not only praised the technical ability of BrahMos, but also accepted that the Philippines army is now in the process of buying this missile in more numbers.
The President of Philippines has visited at a time when China’s aggression in the South China Sea is increasing and its pressure on the Philippines remains continuously. In such a situation, increasing defense cooperation with India has become a strategic need for the Philippines. This entire development has established India as a reliable defense partner.
President Marcos’ strategic thinking and purpose of touring India
This visit to President Marcos was not only formal, but its roots were deeply connected in strategic interests. He clearly stated that “it is my duty to protect my country.” This sentence suggests that the decision to buy the BrahMos missile is not only limited to military technology, but is a strategic reaction of the Philippines towards national security.
Marcos also expressed his desire to understand the entire process of Operation Sindoor from India’s defense officials. He wants to know how Indian forces deployed this missile and under which strategy it was conducted. The Philippines’s military policy now focuses on increasing its capacity with “developed partners”. He indicated that all the options for shopping for fighter jets and warships are open. It is clear that BrahMos is just the beginning, cooperation can be deeper.
China’s challenge and increasing strategic cooperation with India
China’s aggressive attitude in the South China Sea remains a matter of concern for the entire region including the Philippines. The unilateral changes being made by China on maritime borders are strategically forcing the Philippines to strengthen its defense mechanisms. President Marcos said, “We are not against anyone, we are getting ready to protect our area.” This statement clearly reflects that the Philippines does not want war, but if the regional security is in danger, it will not sit silent. India is the co-producer of a deadly weapon like BrahMos, so it has emerged as a reliable strategic partner for the Philippines. India-Filippines relations will not be limited to military cooperation only, but they will also expand to economic and technical areas.
Possibility of PTA negotiation and investment on the economic front
Along with defense cooperation, India and the Philippines are now serious for a preferential trade agreement (PTA). Marcos clearly stated that both countries consider PTA as a strategic platform, which will strengthen business relations in the coming years. He said in the ‘Bharat-P-P-Fili CEO Round Table meeting’ organized by FICCI that the government has made many policy reforms to make trade easier in the Philippines. The Philippines is now providing a favorable environment for Indian investors. In 2024-2025, bilateral trade has reached $ 3.3 billion. This figure is an indication that economic relations between the two countries are also moving at a fast pace in the same way as strategic relations.
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