PBBM’s trip to India: A brilliant strategic move

In a new era marked by intensifying economic competitions and dynamic geopolitical shifts particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, countries like ours must make important strategic choices to secure our future. Standing alone is not really an option, and it would be foolhardy for one to wait for trouble to come knocking at the door before reaching out to like-minded friends and building stronger relationships.

President Bongbong Marcos certainly understands this principle very well as we continue to see in his administration a timely and steady push for strategic partnerships – whether in defense, trade, technology, or infrastructure – not only with traditional allies such as the United States and Japan but with other like-minded nations. This, he definitely achieved once again in his recent state visit to India.

PBBM’s official trip to our South Asian neighbor was more than just a symbolic gesture or a series of discussions composed of diplomatic platitudes. It was another crucial step in building a foreign policy rooted in balance, resilience and proactive engagement that also signaled a pragmatic, forward looking approach to navigating today’s global landscape.

Described by the President as “remarkably productive,” the visit opened “a multitude of possibilities and areas of potential” with the world’s fourth largest economy, with an estimated $446 million in actual direct investments, with more commitments to follow in several areas of potential investments up to $5.7 billion.

“The whole range of possibilities has now become clear to us… I am very happy with the results and glad we have opened new lines of communication,” the President remarked.

In his meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Cabinet officials and key members of India’s business and defense communities, PBBM made it clear that the Philippines is serious about long-term cooperation. This includes strengthening defense ties, enhancing economic exchange and building technological and energy partnerships that will be beneficial to both nations.

During his interview with Firstpost managing editor Palki Sharma, the President described the visit as a new phase in the relationship with a more aggressive approach in every aspect possible.

He also characterized the visit as an “added impetus to working towards strengthening and deepening the relationship” between the two nations in terms of trade and specific industries in both the public and private sectors, adding that they are discovering “so many areas that hold so much potential and that really should be developed.” India and the Philippines signed 13 bilateral agreements covering defense, maritime cooperation, agriculture, fintech and cultural exchange.

The similarity in the situation between India and the Philippines is “a rejection of any unilateral attempt to change boundaries,” President Marcos said, calling for the establishment of “a global coalition of like-minded states” with shared values and adherence to international law such as the UNCLOS, saying that “no country can go against or can stand by itself for a principle, which is why there has to be a coalition.”

Both India and the Philippines are trying to maintain peace in their respective regions while standing up for sovereignty and rule of law. They also face the same challenge: how to protect their national interest without being drawn into great-power confrontation – and one of the best ways to accomplish that is by deepening ties with like-minded partners.

Forging strategic partnerships, especially with nations like India, is a cornerstone of PBBM’s national strategy. Not surprisingly, this has drawn a certain amount of criticism, with accusations that the Philippines is leveraging its alliances with bigger and more powerful countries to cause instability.

As the President said, that would be implying that the Philippines is a mere bystander being told what to do – which is definitely not the case.

“It is our duty as officials, as leaders, as military citizens to defend our country... And so, that is what we are doing. Now friends like India, friends like the United States, like Australia, like South Korea, like Japan who are also feeling that they must defend their own territory and sovereignty… are joining forces. And who are we to turn down such assistance and such help?” the President stated.

Let’s face it – the South China Sea remains a flashpoint. Gray zone tactics by giant nations continue to test our resolve. Our fishermen continue being harassed, supply missions continue to be blocked and the relentless incursion into our exclusive economic zone underscore the urgency and importance of working together with like-minded nations to uphold a rules-based international order.

Whether it’s reinforcing military alliances with long-standing partners like the United States, seeking new trade avenues in Europe and Asia or opening doors for investments in energy and digital infrastructure, President Marcos is playing a smart diplomatic and economic game.

Some may say that partnerships come with strings attached – and this may be true to some extent. However, the key is in ensuring that these engagements are mutually beneficial, transparent and aligned with our national interest. Seeing PBBM firsthand on many occasions, I can say without question that he is doing exactly what he said he was going to do from very start of his term.

The recently announced collaborations, particularly on renewable energy, digital transformation and maritime security, not only promise immediate economic gains but also pave the way for long-term national resilience.

We are building bridges, not dependencies. Strategic partnership, in this context, is not about choosing sides; it’s about choosing the best future for Filipinos. And at a time when standing still is as dangerous as moving backward, President Marcos’ embrace of strategic partnerships is not only a good move – it’s simply brilliant.

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