India, Philippines talk joint defence productions in China shadow

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India and Philippines vow close defence partnerships

By Raisina Correspondent

New Delhi, September 11: India and Philippines have firmed up plans for joint defence productions. The close defence cooperation plan of India and the Philippines has come amid heightened tension with China.

“The fifth meeting of India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) was held in Manila on September 11, 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and his counterpart Senior Undersecretary, Ministry of National Defence of Philippines Mr Irineo Cruz Espino,” said the Ministry of Defence in a media statement.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Indian Armed Forces renewed their commitment to a robust defence collaboration during the 5th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) and 3rd Service-to-Service (STS) Meeting, on September 10, 2024, here,” said the Armed Forces of the Philippines in a statement.

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During the meeting, participants from both parties reviewed and assessed the progress and achievements since their last meeting, highlighting collaborative initiatives and future areas of focus.

“They also shared insights and strategies to address the evolving security dynamics in the region, emphasizing the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation,” added Armed Forces of the Philippines. The AFP and Indian Armed Forces aim to enhance operational coordination through joint exercises, training programs, and technology exchanges, added the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“This high-level discussions underscored the enduring commitment between the two nations, building on a relationship anchored by the 2006 Defence Cooperation Agreement and the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Industry and Logistics Cooperation,” added Armed Forces of the Philippines in its statement.

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Chinese naval ships had been at loggerheads with the Philippines vessels in the recent months. Both India and the Philippines are facing the challenge of an aggressive China picking up quarrels with neighbours.

“The Defence Secretary appreciated the Self Reliance Defence Posture Act of the Philippines government for modernising its Armed Forces. He highlighted that India has also laid out a similar vision for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’,” said the Indian Ministry of Defence in its statement.

The Indian defence Industry is continuously enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and is exporting equipment to the world, added the defence secretary.

“The Defence Secretary invited the Philippines to partner with the Indian defence industry in co-development and co-production of equipment. The Philippines also invited investments in long-term equity partnership towards promoting assured supply chains,” said the Ministry of Defence in the statement.

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Both sides affirmed the commitment to support each other to achieve the goal of self-reliance in defence production. “They appreciated the operationalisation of White Shipping Information Exchange and opening of defence wing at Embassy of India, Manila in near future,” added the statement.

While welcoming the Philippines as a coordinating country for India in ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus, the Defence Secretary discussed ways and means to strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums.

India and the Philippines have a vigorous and multifaceted relationship which has expanded into several strategic areas, including defence and security.

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