The Philippines is strengthening its maritime security cooperation with India, emphasizing the need for enhanced protection of seafarers from both nations amid increasing dangers in global maritime routes. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discussed these concerns during a meeting with Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar at Malacañang, highlighting the risks faced by commercial shipping, particularly in regions like the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean.
Marcos mentioned improvements in the Philippines’ local support systems for seafarers, enabling greater collaboration with India. He expressed that addressing the current crisis in shipping requires cooperative efforts, suggesting that both nations could jointly develop solutions to enhance safety for their maritime workers. Marcos emphasized the significant role Filipino seafarers play in global shipping, asserting the need for strategic partnerships in this area.
Jaishankar echoed this sentiment, urging both countries to explore collaborative opportunities to safeguard their seafarers. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepen maritime partnerships with the Philippines, particularly regarding safety measures for crew members operating in high-risk areas, especially the merchant vessels navigating through the Red Sea.
In a recent incident, the Indian Navy’s prompt assistance in rescuing the Filipino crew of the MV True Confidence, attacked by Houthi rebels, was highlighted by Marcos. While noting that two Filipinos tragically lost their lives in the attack, he attributed the safe return of the surviving crew to the Indian Navy’s swift response.
Marcos also addressed broader geopolitical issues, thanking India for its support in upholding the Philippines’ sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. Jaishankar underscored India’s firm stance on the South China Sea and its respect for the 2016 ruling from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which invalidated China’s claims and affirmed Philippine rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The discussions culminated in Jaishankar extending an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for President Marcos to visit India as both nations prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Marcos responded positively to the invite, signaling a desire for closer ties and cooperation.
Overall, the meetings indicate a growing mutual interest between the Philippines and India to enhance maritime security and uphold international laws in the Indo-Pacific region, paving the way for future collaboration in several spheres, including defense and economic partnerships.
