India-Philippines Strategic Partnership 2025: Key Highlights & Exam Relevance

What Does the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership Mean?
The declaration signifies a long-term commitment between India and the Philippines to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors. Key focus areas include:


1. Defence & Maritime Security
Military Collaboration: Joint exercises like ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise and MILAN will boost naval cooperation.
Defence Manufacturing: Co-development of defence equipment to reduce dependency on imports.
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Improved coastal surveillance and anti-piracy efforts.


2. Economic & Trade Growth
Bilateral trade reached $3.3 billion (2024-25)—aiming higher via a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
Focus sectors: Renewable energy, AI, shipbuilding, healthcare, and agriculture.


3. Indo-Pacific Stability
Both nations support a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, countering China’s aggressive moves in the South China Sea.
They reaffirmed the 2016 UNCLOS Arbitral Award, crucial for maritime disputes.


4. Science, Tech & Space Cooperation
Joint research in AI, robotics, and nuclear energy.
Enhanced space technology collaboration for peaceful applications.


5. People-to-People & Cultural Exchange
Visa-free travel for Indian tourists to the Philippines.
Scholarships and training programs under ITEC (Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation).


Why Is This Important for Competitive Exams?
Government exams like UPSC, SSC, PSC, NID, and NIFT frequently test candidates on:
✔ Bilateral & Multilateral Agreements
✔ Defence & Security Policies
✔ Economic Partnerships & Trade Deals
✔ Indo-Pacific Geopolitics
✔ Current Affairs (2025)
This partnership is a high-value topic for:
Essay Writing (UPSC Mains)
International Relations (GS Paper II)
Defence & Security Questions
MCQs in SSC & State PSCs


Questions & Answers on India-Philippines Strategic Partnership 2025
Q1. What is the significance of the 2025 India-Philippines Strategic Partnership?
Ans: It strengthens defence, trade, and Indo-Pacific security, focusing on joint military exercises, economic growth, and countering China’s influence in the South China Sea.
Q2. Name two key defence collaborations under this partnership.
Ans:
Co-development of defence equipment.
Participation in ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise & MILAN.
Q3. What was the bilateral trade value between India and the Philippines in 2024-25?
Ans: Approximately $3.3 billion.
Q4. Which international maritime law supports the South China Sea dispute resolution?
Ans: UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), particularly the 2016 Arbitral Award.
Q5. How does this partnership benefit Indian students and professionals?
Ans: It offers ITEC scholarships, visa-free travel to the Philippines, and opportunities in AI, robotics, and space research collaborations.


The India-Philippines Strategic Partnership (2025) is a game-changer for geopolitics, defence, and economy. Aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, PSC, NID, or NIFT must grasp its implications for both national and international scenarios.
Stay updated with MyEntrance.in for more exam-focused current affairs!