Philippines President Commends India’s Growing Defence Role and BrahMos Missile Cooperation
New Delhi / Manila | August 2025 In an important diplomatic and strategic development, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has lauded India’s increased defence presence in the Indo-Pacific, noting the successful induction of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system in the Philippines as a highlight of regional security cooperation.
During his official visit to India in early August 2025, Marcos described India as a “reliable and forward-looking defence partner”, acknowledging New Delhi’s consistent efforts in strengthening maritime security, regional stability, and defence self-reliance through platforms like the BrahMos missile.
BrahMos Missile: Enhancing Philippines’ Deterrence Power
India’s sale of the BrahMos missile system to the Philippines was a historic milestone in 2022 when the Philippines became the first international customer of the Indo-Russian jointly developed system. The deal, valued at $375 million, was for the delivery of shore-based anti-ship missile systems with the purpose of securing Philippine interests in the West Philippine Sea where tensions over territorial issues have increased with China.
The successful deployment of the first battery in April 2024 and the second in April 2025 has greatly improved the Philippine military’s coastal defense. Marcos admitted that the BrahMos system has “transformed the deterrence posture” of the Philippine military and helped to “preserve maritime sovereignty.”
India’s technological capability and its willingness to cooperate with partners like the Philippines sends a strong signal that democracies can build credible deterrence together,” President Marcos added in New Delhi.
Strategic Partnership Announced
On August 5, 2025, India and the Philippines formally elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, an action that consolidates their long-term collaboration in the realms of defence, trade, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and maritime security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the new era of cooperation as “a step towards a stable and multipolar Indo-Pacific.”
Key features of the partnership are:
- Joint defence manufacturing
- Increased naval and air force exercises
- Technology transfers and co-production
- Cyber defense and intelligence sharing
Naval Exercises Highlight Maritime Cooperation
The visit coincided with both countries conducting their first-ever bilateral naval exercises in the South China Sea, including India’s INS Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan, and the Philippines’ BRP Jose Rizal and Miguel Malvar.
They emphasized: Anti-surface and anti-air warfare maneuvers Maritime interdiction Coordinated patrolling and logistics support The naval exercise highlights enhanced India–Philippines maritime cooperation in a bid to promote freedom of navigation, following China’s intensifying assertiveness in the region.
India’s willingness to share cutting-edge military technology has been hailed by Ambassador Josel Ignacio, who said:
“The BrahMos is not just a missile — it is a symbol of trust, respect, and shared strategic vision.”