Philippine officials meet India's Ministry of Ports to enhance maritime ties, focusing on collaboration in shipping, research, and regional stability.
A high-level Philippine delegation met with officials from India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in New Delhi to boost maritime ties, reports Singapore's Maritime Fairtrade.
The meeting coincided with the Second India-Philippines Maritime Dialogue on March 2. Both sides reviewed Indo-Pacific developments, maritime law, and pledged deeper collaboration at international platforms, including the United Nations, ReCAAP, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium.
Discussions focused on enhancing port and shipping links, maritime domain awareness, and cooperation between naval and coast guard forces. Seafarer collaboration was highlighted, as both countries are leading suppliers of merchant navy officers and ratings worldwide.
Delegations also explored joint initiatives in marine research, ocean economy, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The talks aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's declaration of 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
Both nations view a closer maritime partnership as vital to supporting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and leveraging port and logistics capabilities for regional trade. The cooperation aims to strengthen stability and economic growth.
