The Philippines and India’s military ties got a further boost with the visit of a ranking defense official of the South Asian nation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

AFP vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura and other senior AFP officials welcomed Indian Defense Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and his delegation during their courtesy visit in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday.

“The visit highlighted the deepening defense and security partnership between the Philippines and India, underscoring shared commitments to regional stability and cooperation,” said AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement Thursday.

The discussions between the two sides focused on enhancing bilateral defense relations, exploring opportunities for joint training and exercises, and sharing best practices in addressing common security challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region, he added.

“Lt. Gen. Cordura expressed appreciation for the growing partnership with India, recognizing the significant role it plays in promoting a free, open, and rules-based regional order.

He emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and engagements that contribute to the peace and security of both nations,” Trinidad said.

Aramane and the Indian defense delegation’s visit marks a significant step in strengthening the defense ties between the Philippines and India, fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.

Meeting with DND chief

Meanwhile, Aramane also met with Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday.

In a separate statement, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the meeting marks another step in further deepening defense cooperation between the Philippines and India.

“Secretary of National Defense Teodoro emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two countries, particularly in upholding the rule of law in the region,” he added.

Teodoro underscored Manila’s commitment to a Self-Reliant Defense Posture, with a particular focus on supply chain resilience as a critical component of the country’s defense strategy.

The DND chief also welcomed further opportunities for military-to-military engagements and collaborations.

“In a broader context, Secretary Teodoro stressed the necessity of engaging in dialogue with like-minded nations to build a framework for cooperation built on universally accepted principles of international law. He highlighted the need to create a ‘great net’ that fosters regional stability and security,” Andolong pointed out.

Teodoro expressed his appreciation for the visit of the Indian delegation to the Philippines, which underscored the mutual commitment of both countries to deepen relations.

“Shri Aramane, for his part, extended an invitation to the Defense Secretary to visit India for ministerial-level talks, highlighting that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines. Shri Aramane also commended the Philippines for its strong adherence to the rule of law and expressed a desire to enhance defense ties through the sharing of experiences and technologies,” Andolong said.

Teodoro is set to meet with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh during the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) in November in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, further reinforcing the bilateral defense relationship between the two nations. (PNA)