NEW DELHI, 08 May— Rapidly intensifying engagement between the Philippines and India across the board was front and center at the Philippine Ambassador’s interview with Indian news channel WION on 08 May.

Ambassador Josel F. Ignacio sat down with WION’s veteran Principal Diplomatic and Defense Correspondent Mr. Sidhant Sibal at the Embassy Chancery in Chanakyapuri, engaging in a lively exchange that  trained the spotlight on the significant ramping up of Philippines-India ties.

“It is a relationship that is on turbo”, proudly declared the Ambassador, as he enumerated key milestones in the burgeoning relationship. He outlined progress across multiple fronts spanning high-level political dialogues and visits, trade, and more recently, defense and security.

Ambassador Ignacio was keen to highlight the robust underpinnings of this newfound vigor – centuries-old connections, a common quest for independence, shared democratic and free market values and, over the past decade, a vocal advocacy for a rules-based order for the globe and Indo-Pacific neighborhood.

Established in 1949, the countries are marking this year the platinum jubilee of relations and are embarking on a quest to parlay the current momentum into gains in tourism, direct air connectivity, infrastructure and development cooperation, and even space cooperation.

With Indians now among the top outbound tourist groups globally, Ambassador Ignacio drummed up interest in the Philippines’ potential as preferred destination for Indian travelers whether for tourism, business, MICE, health and medicine, and even for Bollywood film location shoots and Indian weddings.

Asked about rising defense and security, the Ambassador underscored the common ground existing in the two countries’ espousal of rule of law, security, stability and prosperity for the Indo-Pacific and freedom of navigation in the maritime commons. In reply to the Philippines’ acquisition of the BrahMos missiles from India, the Ambassador recognized the project as a milestone in defense ties, citing a synergy between the Philippines’ drive to enhance defense posture and deterrence and the Indian defense industry’s rising capabilities.

Indicating high interest in Philippine-Indian cooperation, the impactful interview quickly racked up views and heavy engagement on WION’s virtual platforms.

The assessment is shared by the Indian side. Speaking to the press in late March during his Manila visit, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar affirmed that “India’s ties with the Philippines has seen very perceptible growth in recent times”. END