India Invites Philippines to Collaborate on Defence Equipment Development
The fifth meeting of the India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) took place in Manila on September 11, 2024, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral defence relations. The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Senior Undersecretary Irineo Cruz Espino of the Philippines Ministry of National Defence.
The discussions covered a broad spectrum of bilateral and multilateral issues, reflecting a deepening of defence cooperation between the two nations. Both leaders reviewed the outcomes of recent Service-to-Service interactions held on September 10, 2024, and expressed satisfaction with the overall progress in their defence collaboration.
Defence Secretary Aramane commended the Philippines' Self Reliance Defence Posture Act, aimed at modernizing its Armed Forces. He highlighted India's own initiative under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, which focuses on enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and expanding exports of defence equipment globally.
Aramane extended an invitation to the Philippines to engage in co-development and co-production of defence equipment with Indian industry. This collaboration is intended to leverage India's advanced capabilities in defence manufacturing and foster long-term equity partnerships, ensuring assured supply chains for the Philippines. The Philippines, in turn, acknowledged India's successful model of indigenization and welcomed investments that would support this mutual goal of self-reliance in defence production.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other’s defence production goals and appreciated the operationalisation of the White Shipping Information Exchange. They also welcomed the imminent establishment of a defence wing at the Indian Embassy in Manila, which is expected to enhance ongoing cooperation.
In related developments, an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent, including MiG-29s, Jaguars, and C-17s, is en route to participate in Exercise Eastern Bridge VII in Oman. Scheduled from September 11 to 22, 2024, at Air Force Base Masirah, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Royal Oman Air Force and the IAF.
The exercise will feature complex aerial maneuvers, air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, and logistical coordination. It is designed to improve tactical and operational skills, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen strategic cooperation between the two air forces. This joint training initiative reflects the evolving defence needs and strategic interests of both nations, reinforcing their collaborative efforts in addressing regional and global security challenges.
