India and the Philippines have officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, signing 14 landmark agreements and announcing significant travel-related developments—including visa-free entry for Indian tourists, free e-visas for Filipinos, and direct Air India flights between Delhi and Manila starting October 1, 2025.
These announcements came during the state visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. The leaders underscored a shared vision for expanded cooperation in defense, technology, space, and people-to-people exchanges.
Strategic & Defense Agreements Signed:
- Strategic Partnership Declaration (2025–2029 Action Plan)
- Bilateral Framework for Army, Navy & Air Force Talks
- Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty
- Transfer of Sentenced Persons Treaty
- Maritime Cooperation Between Coast Guards
- Science & Technology Program (2025–2028)
- Space Collaboration via ISRO–PhilSA
- MoU on Digital Technologies
- Cultural Exchange & Tourism Cooperation
Travel & Tourism Boost:
- Visa-free entry for Indian tourists to the Philippines
- Free e-visas for Filipinos visiting India
- Air India’s first direct flights from Delhi to Manila to begin on October 1, 2025, with up to five weekly flights
Air India will operate Airbus A321neo aircraft equipped with Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes—marking the first direct air connection between the two nations.
PM Modi and President Marcos also jointly unveiled a commemorative stamp to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties between India and the Philippines—symbolizing both historical bonds and forward-looking aspirations.
What This Means:
- Stronger alignment in the Indo-Pacific region
- Boost in tourism, education, and business travel
- Enhanced defense and security cooperation
- Deeper collaboration in science and digital technology
- A new chapter in India’s ASEAN engagement
As both countries expand their engagement from trade to strategic coordination and citizen-focused diplomacy, this visit marks a transformative chapter in India–Philippines relations.
