Strengthening Trade: India, Philippines Sign MoUs To Promote Maritime Cooperation, Tourism And More

India and the Philippines exchanged multiple Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and Philippines' President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, boosting ties between both the nations and enhancing their trade relations.

The MoUs signed during the visit include cooperation between the Indian coast guard and the Philippine coast guard and peaceful uses of outer space.

Both nations have also concluded a two-day maritime exercise in the South China Sea on August 5. This move which has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, as per a report by The Tribune. China has accused the Philippines of “rallying an external force” in disputed waters and conducted a maritime patrol of its own in response.

At a joint press statement during the event PM Modi said the focus is on expanding trade between both the nations and that Asean trade deal review is a priority.

He further said, direct flights between Delhi to Manilla will start this year.

During the trade talks both the leaders also jointly launched commemorative stamps.

The MoUs signed during the visit include also include a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and treaty on transfer of sentenced persons between the two nations.

Both the nations also signed a MoU promoting cooperation in the field of Science and Technology for the period of 2025-2028 and cooperation between the department of Science and Technology of both the countries.

It has also been agreed to jointly implement a programme between the Department of Tourism of the countries for the period of between 2025 and 2028.