India and Philippines Strengthen Defence Ties at JDCC Meeting in Manila

The fifth India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting in Manila saw significant discussions on bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation. Co-chaired by India's Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane, and the Philippines' Senior Undersecretary Irineo Cruz Espino, the meeting also emphasized the importance of self-reliance in defence production.

The fifth meeting of the India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) convened in Manila on September 11, marking a significant milestone in bilateral defence relations. Indian and Philippine defence officials engaged in comprehensive discussions on both bilateral and multilateral issues, with efforts aimed at enhancing defence ties. The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Senior Undersecretary of the Ministry of National Defence of the Philippines, Irineo Cruz Espino.

The co-chairs reviewed the outcomes of the third Service-to-Service interactions held on September 10, and expressed satisfaction with the enhanced bilateral defence cooperation across various sectors. Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane commended the Philippines' Self-Reliance Defence Posture Act, aimed at modernising its Armed Forces, and highlighted India's similar vision under 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', which focuses on boosting domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and exports.

Aramane also invited the Philippines to collaborate with the Indian defence industry for co-development and co-production of equipment. The Philippines, in turn, welcomed investments in long-term equity partnerships to promote assured supply chains, appreciating India's successful model of defence industry indigenisation. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other's self-reliance in defence production. Additional highlights included the operationalisation of the White Shipping Information Exchange and plans to open a defence wing at the Indian Embassy in Manila.

Furthering multilateral cooperation, the Defence Secretary acknowledged the Philippines as a coordinating country for India in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus. The visit included discussions on strengthening ties in various strategic sectors, and Aramane's meeting with Philippines' Defence Minister Gilbert Eduardo Gerardo Cojuangco Teodoro Jr., where he conveyed greetings from Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, and received a Guard of Honour at the Armed Forces headquarters.

The JDCC framework, established under a 2006 Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation, has been bolstered in the 75th year of diplomatic ties and 10 years of India's Act East policy. The friendly relations between India and the Philippines are underpinned by shared values and commonalities, including democratic principles, rule of law, and widespread use of the English language.

(With inputs from agencies.)