Philippines’ Marcos Hails Op Sindoor, Plans More BrahMos Purchases, Calls for Global Coalition Against China
Image courtesy: DALL·E / OpenAI
In a bold and wide-ranging call for global action, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr has urged the formation of a “global coalition of like-minded states with shared values” to confront China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. The remarks came during his state visit to India, marking the 75th anniversary of India-Philippines diplomatic relations.
In an exclusive interview with Firstpost aired on August 6, President Marcos warned that “any unilateral attempt to change boundaries must be opposed,” clearly referencing China’s aggressive moves in the South China Sea and its ambitions in Taiwan.
Marcos Jr emphasised that the Philippines is not seeking conflict but is preparing for “existing challenges” and modernising its military to defend its sovereignty. “Everything is on the table when it comes to the modernisation of our military,” he said. “We are reacting to the challenges we are getting.”
India a Key Partner in Philippines’ Military Modernisation
President Marcos confirmed that his government remains open to acquiring more Indian-made defence systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. “I’ve spoken to the officers and soldiers who operate the BrahMos system. They say they need more… from training and practice runs, they are confident in the system. We are likely to procure more,” he said.
The Philippines became the first foreign buyer of the BrahMos missile in 2022 and continues to deepen its defence ties with India. “The Indian defence industry is growing rapidly, and the technology is second to none. That’s always an option for us,” he added.
Joint military exercises are also a growing element of the bilateral relationship. Marcos noted that during his departure from Manila, four Indian Navy ships were conducting drills with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea. “That kind of training is important, not just for technical reasons, but also for interoperability with our allies,” he stated.
Strategic Partnership Elevated Amid Rising Tensions
During bilateral talks, President Marcos and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to elevate the relationship to a Strategic Partnership, aimed at boosting defence cooperation, trade, and regional security alignment. A Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two nations is also being fast-tracked to expand the current $3.5 billion annual trade.
President Marcos thanked PM Modi for India’s role in defence exports, including the BrahMos, and hailed India’s Operation Sindoor as an example of military preparedness and humanitarian excellence.
Prime Minister Modi, in a gesture of goodwill and enhanced tourism ties, announced that Filipino tourists will now be eligible for free Indian e-visas, reciprocating the Philippines’ earlier visa waiver for Indian nationals.
Philippines Could Be Drawn into Taiwan Conflict
Addressing regional concerns, Marcos did not shy away from the Taiwan question. When asked whether the Philippines would allow the US access to its resources or military bases in the event of a China-Taiwan conflict, he acknowledged the inevitable entanglement due to geographic proximity.
“If there is confrontation over Taiwan between China and the US, there is no way the Philippines can stay out of it… simply because of our physical geographic location,” he said, adding that the government’s immediate priority would be evacuating Filipino nationals living on the island.
Marking 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties with India
India and the Philippines established diplomatic ties in November 1949. Today, the relationship spans multiple sectors — from defence and technology to pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Indian companies have a strong presence in the Philippines in fields like IT, healthcare, FMCG, and infrastructure.
As both nations celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations, President Marcos affirmed that this visit marks a “new phase” in ties with India. Calling PM Modi “a very impressive man,” he added that their meeting “underscored shared strategic goals” in promoting a rules-based Indo-Pacific order.
