The ambassador highlighted that the relationship between the two countries is being reinforced through expanding trade ties, growing defence cooperation, and the recent elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. He noted that this development reflects a consistent upward movement across multiple sectors of engagement.
Describing the Philippines as one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia and within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the envoy said the country remains resilient against global economic headwinds. He further stated that the Philippines continues to function as a contributing and responsible member of the international community, firmly committed to multilateralism.
Speaking on the Philippines’ current chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Ambassador Ignacio said Manila has adopted the theme “Navigating Our Future Together.” He explained that the theme reflects the necessity of collective progress in a rapidly changing global environment, where no nation or business can advance in isolation, and where cooperation is essential to manage uncertainty, transformation, and opportunity.
He further outlined that the chairmanship is guided by three core pillars: peace and security, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment. On peace and security, he emphasized strengthening regional stability through dialogue, adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on both traditional and emerging security challenges. On prosperity corridors, he highlighted systemic connectivity aimed at shared prosperity through economic integration, digital transformation, and inclusive and sustainable development. He also reaffirmed the importance of people empowerment as the third guiding principle.
Turning to bilateral relations with India, the ambassador stated that the partnership occupies a central position within the Philippines’ network of international relationships. He described the engagement as marked by successive milestones and sustained growth, particularly in trade, which has now reached nearly 4 billion United States dollars annually.
He also drew attention to the expanding defence relationship between the two countries, noting cooperation in defence equipment, military education and training, and increasingly maritime cooperative activities. The presence of Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth at the event, he said, reflects the strengthening trajectory of defence ties between New Delhi and Manila.
Ambassador Ignacio further stated that political relations between India and the Philippines are currently at their strongest level, following the decision by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during President Marcos’ visit to India in August last year. He added that India has now become only the fifth strategic partner of the Philippines, underscoring its significant place in Manila’s foreign policy priorities.
The remarks collectively reinforced the growing depth, strategic alignment, and multi-dimensional expansion of India–Philippines relations, marking a period of heightened diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
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