5th India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting held in Manila

Manila: The fifth meeting of India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) was held in Manila on September 11, 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and his counterpart Senior Undersecretary, Ministry of National Defence of Philippines Mr Irineo Cruz Espino.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged wide-ranging discussions on bilateral as well as multilateral issues. The co-chairs reviewed the outcomes of third Service-to-Service interactions held on September 10, 2024, and expressed happiness at the overall enhancement in bilateral defence cooperation across all sectors.

The Defence Secretary appreciated the Self Reliance Defence Posture Act of the Philippines government for modernising its Armed Forces. He highlighted that India has also laid out a similar vision for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. Under this vision, the Indian defence Industry is continuously enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and is exporting equipment to the world, he added.

Both sides affirmed the commitment to support each other to achieve the goal of self-reliance in defence production. They appreciated the operationalisation of White Shipping Information Exchange and opening of defence wing at Embassy of India, Manila in near future.

While welcoming the Philippines as a coordinating country for India in ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus, the Defence Secretary discussed ways and means to strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums. India and the Philippines have a vigorous and multifaceted relationship which has expanded into several strategic areas, including defence and security.

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