EAM S Jaishankar conveys India’s support for successful chairship of ASEAN to Philippines President

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's recent meeting with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. marks a significant milestone in India's deepening engagement with Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy. This diplomatic outreach comes at a crucial juncture as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairship for 2026, positioning Manila as the primary driver of the regional bloc's agenda for the year. India's explicit support for a successful Philippine chairship signals New Delhi's commitment to a unified, central, and resilient ASEAN — a cornerstone of India's Indo-Pacific vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shangri-La Dialogue in 2018. The historical context of India-Philippines relations traces back to the 1952 Treaty of Friendship, but the relationship gained strategic depth only after India's Look East Policy (1991) evolved into the Act East Policy (2014). The elevation to a Strategic Partnership during President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to India in 2017, and the subsequent adoption of the Plan of Action 2025-2029, reflect a maturation from transactional ties to comprehensive cooperation spanning defence, maritime security, cybersecurity, space, health, and agriculture. The Brahmos missile deal signed in 2022 — India's first major defence export — exemplifies this shift, with the Philippines becoming the first foreign buyer of the supersonic cruise missile system, enhancing its coastal defence capabilities amid South China Sea tensions. Key stakeholders include not only the political leadership of both nations but also defence establishments, coast guards, and academic institutions. For India, the Philippines is a vital anchor in the first island chain, offering strategic depth in the Indo-Pacific. For Manila, India represents a balancing power against assertive behaviour in the South China Sea, especially following the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling rejecting China's nine-dash line claims — a ruling India has consistently supported as part of its commitment to UNCLOS 1982 and a rules-based order. Constitutionally, Article 51(c) of the Indian Constitution directs the State to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, guiding India's advocacy for peaceful dispute resolution. The visit aligns with the Ministry of External Affairs' mandate under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, and reinforces India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. Economically, bilateral trade reached $3.1 billion in 2023-24, with potential in pharmaceuticals, IT, and renewable energy. The Plan of Action 2025-2029 prioritizes digital transformation, fintech, and supply chain resilience — areas where India's strengths complement Philippine development goals. Looking ahead, the successful implementation of the Plan of Action, joint military exercises like SAMBHAV, and enhanced maritime domain awareness cooperation will test the partnership's depth. As ASEAN chair, the Philippines can champion India's inclusion in regional mechanisms like the East Asia Summit and ADMM-Plus, further institutionalizing India's presence. This visit thus represents not just a bilateral upgrade but a strategic investment in the architecture of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.