India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · PHILIPPINES
India & Philippines
ACT EAST POLICYASEANPHARMACEUTICAL EXPORTSDEFENCE COOPERATIONIT/BPO
India and the Philippines established diplomatic relations in 1949 and elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2023, reflecting deepening defence cooperation, growing trade, and alignment on Indo-Pacific security issues including the South China Sea. The Philippines is a key node in India's Act East Policy and ASEAN engagement. India's pharmaceutical exports, IT sector cooperation, and growing defence ties anchor the commercial and security dimensions. Both countries share concerns about Chinese maritime assertiveness in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Philippines actually work together
5 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
All figures approximate FY 2023–24. Source: DGFT, Ministry of Commerce. Defence exports (BrahMos) may not be fully captured in standard trade statistics.
$3.2bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
$2.5bn
India exports to country
$0.7bn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$3.2bnin FY24 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1949, in 7 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
The India-Philippines relationship is in its most dynamic phase since independence. The Strategic Partnership (2023) and BrahMos delivery (2024) have established defence cooperation as the relationship's most consequential new dimension. Trade is growing across pharmaceuticals, petroleum, and electronics. Digital economy cooperation through the 2023 MoU is being implemented. Both countries' South China Sea and UNCLOS alignment provides consistent strategic convergence. Follow-on BrahMos systems and maritime domain awareness data sharing are the most significant near-term deliverables.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalManila
Population115 million
RegionSoutheast Asia
Diplomatic tiesSince 1949
Indian diaspora~150,000
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