Philippines-India Ties Strengthen: Focus on Defence, Economy, and People-to-People Connections

New Delhi – Philippines Ambassador Josel Francisco Ignacio emphasized the deepening bilateral relationship between the Philippines and India during the country's Independence Day celebration held at the Philippines embassy in Delhi last week.

"The Philippines' partnership with India has become increasingly prominent. It is a relationship built upon over a millennium of contacts and 75 years of diplomatic engagement," Ambassador Ignacio stated.

Defence and Security Cooperation​

Ignacio highlighted the remarkable growth in defence and security cooperation over the past decade. He mentioned the diverse areas of collaboration, including "security and defence training, naval port calls, equipment, and technology."

Notably, the Philippines began receiving BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems from India earlier this year as part of a $375 million deal signed in 2022. Recent visits by Indian Navy ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, INS Kiltan, and an Indian coast guard vessel further underscore the growing defence ties. The Philippines has also shown interest in acquiring India's Advanced Light Helicopter.

Economic Partnership​

Economic relations between the two countries have also reached new heights in recent years. Indian companies are playing a vital role in the "Philippine infrastructure, transport, and ICT" sectors, according to Ignacio.

He also noted that Philippine companies are increasingly targeting India's expanding market, contributing to bilateral trade expansion and economic interdependence.

People-to-People Connections​

"People-to-people exchanges have always been at the heart of the relationship," Ignacio said, expressing pride in the Filipino community in India and the growing number of Indians in the Philippines. Efforts are underway to enhance air connectivity between the two countries to further facilitate these exchanges.

Looking Ahead​

Ambassador Ignacio expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations. "Our 75 years of diplomatic ties will see our country's opening a new pivot, improving the partnership with an even more strategic, mutually gainful approach," he predicted.

The celebration was attended by the new minister of state in the Ministry of External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, representing India.

 

[Hari Sud]

Diplomatic and Political Decision Making in Washington

In Washington, D.C., think tanks play a crucial role in shaping the decision-making process of the U.S. government. These organizations significantly influence political and diplomatic decisions by providing expertise and recommendations that guide policy development.

Many critical political and diplomatic decisions originate in these think tanks, which are funded by government grants and private funds from corporations. Policymakers turn to them for independent assessments and policy advice.

The origins of think tanks date back to World War II, when the U.S. government sought expertise from non-government individuals to collaborate with military and diplomatic staff. This approach led to the establishment of independently managed institutions dedicated to advising on various policy matters. Since then, other countries have adopted this model.

Prominent US think tanks include the Carnegie Endowment, Brookings Institution, Rand Corporation, Georgetown Foreign Policy Academy, PEW Research, and Hudson Institute. There are over 40 think tanks in Washington, D.C., each specializing in its own research area.

One notable figure in the think tank sphere was Madeleine Albright, Secretary of State during the Clinton Administration. A staunch anti-communist and Czech-born immigrant, Albright excelled in foreign policy, ranking alongside intellectuals like Henry Kissinger and Zbigniew Brzezinski. She shaped the anti-communist views of many presidential candidates.

Albright's significant impact came with the breakup of Yugoslavia after Marshal Tito’s death. As a principal advisor, she played a key role in the Serb-Croatian-Muslim Yugoslavian war, which led to American involvement to dismantle the Yugoslav state. This intervention succeeded in the 1990s largely because Boris Yeltsin, a less formidable leader, led the disintegrating Soviet Union. A leader like Putin of today might have acted differently.

After leaving her position, Albright continued her association with think tanks, training thousands of foreign policy operatives for decades until her death in 2022. Her training focused on anti-communism and anti-Russia sentiments, framing anyone associated with Russia as an enemy of America.

Many of Albright's anti-communist pupils now hold key positions in the U.S. State Department. Current American diplomacy shows parallels to the Yugoslav breakup, such as encouraging Khalistani terrorists asking for an independent homeland and also encouraging the creation of a Christian state involving parts of Bangladesh, Myanmar, and tiny area of India. This strategy aims to destabilize South Asia if it remains neutral in the Ukraine war or continues buying cheap oil from Russia.

However, formidable leaders in India and Bangladesh today present a challenge for American policy advisors, as they are capable of handling political and military unrest. Hence parallel to Yugoslavia policy is impossible to implement, however they are trying from their desks in Washington, interchangeable with US government offices or think tanks.

These are the complex ways America engages with its allies & friends, with think tanks playing a leading role. However I guarantee none of them have seen the actual locations to intelligently execute their policies.