Why is it in the News?

The Philippines is now exploring Japan and India as alternative partners for development and security cooperation.

Concerns between the China and Philippines:

• The relationship between the Philippines and China has been strained for decades due to long-standing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
• The Philippines claims sovereignty over several islands and reefs in the South China Sea, while China maintains a sweeping claim over the entire area, known as the "nine-dash line."
• These competing claims have led to numerous incidents of Chinese vessels blocking or harassing Philippine fishing boats and military vessels.
• In 2012, the Philippines filed an arbitration case against China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) challenging the legality of China's nine-dash line claim.
• In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines, finding that China's nine-dash line claim had no legal basis.
• However, China has refused to accept the ruling.
• The South China Sea is a strategically important waterway, with an estimated $3.3 trillion in trade passing through it annually.
• It is also believed to be rich in natural resources, including oil and gas.
• The ongoing territorial disputes have raised tensions in the region and have the potential to escalate into conflict.
• In addition to the territorial disputes, there have been other issues that have strained relations between the Philippines and China including China's militarization of the South China Sea, its fishing practices in Philippine waters, and its human rights record.

Bilateral Relations Between India and the Philippines:

India and the Philippines have enjoyed a warm and cordial relationship since establishing diplomatic ties in 1949, shortly after both countries gained independence. The relationship is rooted in shared values of democracy, pluralism, and the rule of law, as well as a growing economic partnership.

Political and Strategic Cooperation:

• India and the Philippines have maintained regular high-level visits and engagements, fostering a strong political and strategic partnership.
• The two countries have cooperated on a range of issues, including maritime security, counterterrorism, and defense.
• Intensification of relations with the Philippines resulted from India’s Look East Policy (1992) and further diversified with the Act East Policy (2014).

Economic Partnership:

• India and the Philippines have a growing economic partnership, with bilateral trade reaching over $3 billion in 2022.
• India is currently the Philippines' fifteenth-largest trading partner.
• The two countries have signed several agreements to enhance economic cooperation, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to further boost trade and investment.

Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges:

• Both countries have active diaspora communities that contribute to cultural exchange and people-to-people linkages.
• India and the Philippines have signed agreements on cultural cooperation and education exchange.

Recent Developments:

• In recent years, India and the Philippines have elevated their relationship to a "Strategic Partnership."
• This reflects the growing convergence of their interests in the Indo-Pacific region and their commitment to promote a rules-based international order.

Key Areas of Cooperation:

• Maritime Security: India and the Philippines have a shared interest in maintaining peace and stability in the maritime domain.
• The two countries have conducted joint naval exercises and collaborated on maritime surveillance and information sharing.
• Counterterrorism: India and the Philippines have pledged to cooperate in combating terrorism and preventing the spread of violent extremism.
• They have shared intelligence and expertise in counterterrorism operations and training.
• Defense Cooperation: Key developments include the BrahMos missile deal, the establishment of a resident Defense Attache office in Manila, and the consideration of India's proposal for a concessional Line of Credit to fulfill the defense needs of the Philippines.
• Additionally, collaboration extends to maritime domain awareness (MDA), joint patrols, and the exchange of information.
• The two countries have also conducted joint military exercises to enhance interoperability and strengthen defense ties.

Japan and India's Involvement in Southeast Asia:

• Free and Open Indo-Pacific: A joint effort to counter China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Free and Open Indo-Pacific is an umbrella term that encompasses Indo-Pacific-specific strategies of countries with similar interests in the region.
• Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific aligns with India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
• Partnership with ASEAN: Strengthening economic, political, and cultural ties with ASEAN member nations.
• Infrastructure Development: Japan's Partnership for Quality Infrastructure involvement in Southeast Asian projects (ports, roads, and energy facilities).
• India also expresses interest in regional infrastructure projects.
• Connectivity Projects: Both nations actively promote connectivity, with India contributing through projects like the Trilateral Highway (connecting India, Myanmar, and Thailand).
• Economic Assistance: Providing economic assistance and development aid to support socio-economic growth in Southeast Asia.
• Assistance includes financial support, capacity building, and technology transfer.
• Security Cooperation: Engaging in security dialogues and joint military exercises with Southeast Asian countries.
• Collaborating on common security challenges such as maritime security and counter-terrorism.
• Human Resource Development: Joint efforts in human resource development programs, including scholarships and training opportunities.
• Aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge across various sectors.
• Regional Forums: Active participation in regional forums like the East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
• Addressing regional challenges and fostering dialogue on a variety of issues.

India-Japan Relations:

The roots of the relationship trace back to ancient times when Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the 6th century. A robust partnership emerged from India's Look East Policy, evolving into a 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' in 2014.

• Economic Cooperation: Strong trade and investment ties with significant bilateral investments.
• Initiatives like Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and Neemrana Industrial Park for Japanese firms.
• Collaboration in the automobile sector, exemplified by Maruti Suzuki.
• Infrastructure Investment: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) plays a pivotal role in investing in India's infrastructure projects.
• Contributions range from the Delhi Metro to water and sanitation projects.
• Strategic Cooperation: Shared commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
• Highlighted in Japan's National Security Strategy (NSS-2022) and 2021 Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).
• Defence Collaboration: Steadily growing cooperation in response to regional security challenges.
• Initiatives like the 2015 Agreements on the transfer of defence Equipment and Technology..
• In terms of security, India and Japan constantly engage in varied platforms ranging from regular bilateral military exercises and two-plus-two meetings to multilateral frameworks such as the Quad and the G20.
• Technology Partnership: Collaboration on cutting-edge technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
• Examples include the India-Japan Digital Partnership (I-JDP) and cooperation in nuclear technology.
• Regional and Global Cooperation: Active collaboration on climate change, counterterrorism, and United Nations reforms.
• Joint development of the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor for economic collaboration and capacity-building in African countries.
• Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Promotion of tourism, educational exchanges, and scholarships.
• Initiatives like the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme and the India-Japan Global Partnership Summit foster personal bonds between citizens.

Accordingly, as India is significantly deepening and broadening its ties with Southeast Asian countries, such as the Philippines, India should consider taking its third-country developmental model with Japan into the sub-region of the greater Indo-Pacific at a time when resident countries are looking for alternative sources of development and security amidst the polarising dynamics of the U.S.-China power competition.