NEW DELHI – The Philippine Embassy unveiled on 13 November 2024 the commemorative volume “A Journey of Enduring and Soaring Partnership” on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and India.
Helmed in partnership with prominent Mumbai-based media outfit Network 18, the book traces via archival photos and insightful write-ups the journey of the bilateral relationship. The arc of relations spans centuries-old civilizational contacts, to the establishment of formal ties on 16 November 1949, up until the present era of unprecedented intensification of engagement.
The launch took place during the Embassy-hosted grand diplomatic anniversary reception at the ITC Maurya Hotel in Delhi’s Diplomatic Enclave, in simple ceremonies led by Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F. Ignacio and visiting Tourism Undersecretary Maria Rica C. Bueno. The diplomatic reception was graced by no less than Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar who, earlier in the rites, unveiled the official 75th Anniversary Logo with Ambassador Ignacio.The book features messages from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, as well as the heads of Philippine Missions across India. Contributing insightful pieces are Secretary Manalo, Ambassador Ignacio, historian Ian Christopher B. Alfonso, Philippine Honorary Consul General in Mumbai Mme. Rajashree Birla, Philippine Honorary Consul General in Chennai Ashwin Muthiah, Delhi University Prof. Reena Marwah, geopolitical analyst Don McLain Gill, BrahMos Aerospace CEO Atul D. Rane, and the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation.
Rounding up the remarkable narrative of bilateral ties are articles penned by Embassy officials Vice Consul Mark Anthony G. Articulo (Cultural Affairs/Public Diplomacy), Vice Consul Mark Anthony P. Dizon (Political Affairs), Vice Consul Melissa Anne M. Telan (Economic Affairs), Attaché Rogelio B. Silva, Jr. and Attaché Rina Isabel P. de Chavez.
Within the Embassy, Vice Consul Articulo and the Cultural and Public Diplomacy Section shepherded the book project under the guidance of the Ambassador. “This volume pays tribute to the amazing story of Philippines-India ties, which are now entering a strategic epoch”, said Ambassador Ignacio. “It being an anniversary, this is a labor of love from the Embassy, mirroring the passionate work of every team member daily to buttress and promote our ties with India.”
In recent years, the Philippines and 
India have seen mutual trust deepen and cooperation expand exponentially. Both countries are now engaged in sustained high-level interaction and political dialogues, and are seeing record highs in bilateral trade, rising FDI, new milestones in defense, and growing reciprocal tourism. Beyond the bilateral, the two countries’ are also in increasing cooperation to advance shared advocacies in the larger Indo-Pacific, global commons, and multilateral issues.
The 75th Anniversary of Philippines-India relations will see various commemorative projects undertaken well into 2025. END
