By Marinel E. Peroy
India marked its 77th Republic Day in Manila by highlighting its rapid, people-centric economic progress and its expanding strategic partnership with the Philippines, as officials from both countries underscored shared democratic values and growing cooperation across defense, trade, and people-to-people ties.
“India and the Philippines are friends by choice, and partners by destiny,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a message quoted during the celebration hosted by the Embassy of India at Shangri-La The Fort on Monday, attended by diplomats, government officials, business leaders, media, and members of the Indian community.
Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain described the occasion as “a renewed affirmation of India’s enduring commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, and inclusive development.”
He said India stands “at a pivotal moment in its growth,” driven by innovation, digital public infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing, and a vibrant startup ecosystem.
He stressed that India’s development model remains “people-centric,” aligned with global priorities such as climate action, resilient supply chains, food and health security, and digital inclusion.
The ambassador linked this progress to New Delhi’s growing global role and to its deepening ties with Manila.
Jain recalled President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India in August 2025, when both countries elevated relations to a strategic partnership.
The declaration, he said, reflected “not only a growing convergence of interests, but also a shared vision for stability, resilience and growth in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Agreements reached during the visit covered defense and maritime cooperation, legal assistance, science and technology, tourism, digital innovation, space, and cultural exchange.
Representing the Philippine government, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Administration Theresa Dizon-de Vega said India’s Republic Day ideals of “justice, liberty, equality, and dignity” resonate deeply with Filipinos, shaped by their own struggle for independence and democratic values.
She welcomed India as “a key pillar of a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” adding that together, the two countries “strengthen regional stability, promote peace and prosperity, support ASEAN centrality, and uphold a rules-based order.”
De Vega reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to expanding cooperation in defense, security, and the maritime domain, saying both nations remain “steadfast in upholding regional security, international law and stability.”
She also highlighted people-to-people links, including the resumption of direct flights between Manila and Delhi, along with expanding trade, tourism, and educational exchanges.
She expressed optimism about the trajectory of ties, saying: “We are friends by choice. We are partners by destiny, and we are charting the way forward to an even more multifaceted, impactful, and strong partnership.”
India and the Philippines, which established diplomatic relations in 1949, now describe their ties as a broadening strategic partnership that spans trade, investment, defense cooperation, and cultural exchanges — a relationship both sides increasingly frame as anchored in shared democratic values and a common stake in a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.