ENA Economy 2024-03-26 16:17:36 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Mar 26 (KNN)</strong> India and the Philippines pledged to significantly deepen defense and security cooperation on Tuesday, as the two countries seek to bolster their strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">During his visit to Manila, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said India hopes to find new areas of collaboration with the Philippines, specifically highlighting the defense and security domains.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">We aim to find novel avenues for cooperation, particularly in the areas of defense and security, Jaishankar stated at a joint press conference alongside his Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Manalo echoed similar intentions, saying the two countries were exploring ways to boost joint efforts to maintain a free and peaceful Indo-Pacific region. He did not offer details, but the comments come as China's economic and military influence continues expanding in the strategic waters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">India and the Philippines have been gradually ramping up ties across multiple sectors in recent years. They have inked agreements spanning defense, maritime security, cybersecurity and more - pacts seen as part of a broader attempt to counterbalance China's regional clout.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Jaishankar's Philippines tour is part of India's increasing focus on enhancing strategic ties with U.S. allies and partners across maritime Southeast Asia under its Indo-Pacific vision.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 37163 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/economy/india-philippines-aim-to-deepen-defense-security-ties-in-indo-pacific-push 2024-03-26 16:17:36 knnindia.co.in