India and the Philippines Strengthen Maritime Cooperation in Inaugural Dialogue

India and the Philippines have taken a significant step toward enhancing their maritime security ties with the inaugural India-Philippines Maritime Dialogue, held in Manila on 13 December 2024. The dialogue, which focused on mutual concerns in the South China Sea, underscored both nations’ commitment to a rules-based maritime order. With China’s expansive territorial claims in the region increasingly drawing global attention, the partnership between India and the Philippines aims to ensure peace and stability in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

The discussions emphasized the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the foundation for resolving maritime disputes, particularly in areas like the South China Sea, where overlapping claims by multiple countries have raised tensions. India and the Philippines jointly called for adherence to international law, expressing a shared desire to counterbalance China’s assertiveness in the region. Both nations agreed that the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, fueled by China’s extensive claims and its militarization of islands, threaten not only regional security but also global shipping routes crucial to international trade.

In addition to the diplomatic discussions, the dialogue marked a notable shift in defence relations. India’s delivery of BrahMos cruise missiles to the Philippines was highlighted as a significant step toward bolstering Manila’s defence capabilities, particularly in safeguarding its maritime borders. The BrahMos, considered one of the most advanced missile systems in the world, reflects India’s growing strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific and its willingness to strengthen security partnerships with regional powers like the Philippines.

The dialogue also explored the potential for increased cooperation between the naval forces and coast guards of both countries, focusing on capacity-building efforts, intelligence sharing, and joint operations to ensure the security of vital sea lanes. These measures are seen as essential not only for countering regional maritime threats but also for maintaining the free and open nature of the Indo-Pacific, an area crucial to global trade and economic stability.

The significance of the India-Philippines Maritime Dialogue extends beyond immediate security concerns. It signals a deepening partnership between the two democracies, reflecting a broader alignment in their foreign policies, particularly in countering China's growing influence in the region. India, a major player in South Asian geopolitics, and the Philippines, a key Southeast Asian nation, both face shared challenges in managing China’s maritime expansion. Their cooperation serves as a critical counterweight to Beijing’s ambitions, with the two countries increasingly working together in diplomatic, defence, and maritime domains.

For the Philippines, this dialogue offers an opportunity to strengthen its position in the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea. As a nation directly involved in territorial disagreements with China, the Philippines is keen to rally international support for its claims over areas like the Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands, which China also claims as its own. The Philippines has long maintained that these territories are part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and it has sought legal recourse through international tribunals, including the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China’s claims to historic rights in the region.

India, for its part, has consistently backed the Philippines’ position on the South China Sea. While not directly involved in the territorial disputes, India has voiced strong support for the rule of law in the region and the rights of nations to exercise control over their maritime territories. As a rising global power with significant interests in regional security, India’s involvement in the dialogue is seen as part of its broader strategy to enhance its influence in the Indo-Pacific and promote peace and stability in a region that is home to critical maritime routes.

Both countries have also explored avenues for expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, with an emphasis on maritime industries, such as shipping, logistics, and port infrastructure. By aligning their interests in these areas, India and the Philippines are positioning themselves as key partners in the Indo-Pacific region, working together not only to address security concerns but also to foster economic growth and sustainable development.

This inaugural dialogue represents a new chapter in the India-Philippines relationship, underscoring the growing importance of maritime cooperation in the face of rising tensions in the South China Sea. It is expected that future dialogues will continue to build on the foundation established in Manila, further strengthening the maritime security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region and reinforcing the commitment of both nations to uphold international law and secure the freedom of navigation for all.

As the world watches closely, the India-Philippines Maritime Dialogue serves as a reminder of the importance of diplomatic engagement in resolving complex maritime disputes and maintaining peace in one of the world’s most contested regions.