“On military training cooperation, the ambassador reiterated the IAF’s offer of courses for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically on operational readiness and cyber security,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong mentioned in a press release over the weekend.
Faustino is known to have mentioned India is among the many Philippines’ necessary companions within the Indo-Pacific area.
“He highlighted the importance of sustaining defence engagement between both countries, particularly the conduct of high-level dialogue, education and training exchanges, information sharing, and defence industry and logistics cooperation, among others,” Andolong mentioned. Faustino additionally talked about the DND’s curiosity in welcoming a resident Indian defence attaché in Manila.
“The ambassador responded with gratitude for the Philippines’ acquisition of Indian-made defence equipment. He also encouraged enhancing defence industry dialogue, to include discussions on aerospace platforms, air defence systems, and upgrade of artillery. He further recognised the importance of developing a self-reliant defence posture in meeting security challenges of recent times,” Andolong mentioned.
Both officers additionally exchanged views and insights on numerous geopolitical challenges.
Faustino, on the assembly, additionally harassed the important position of strengthening partnership amongst like-minded nations, particularly India and the Asean member states, to keep stability within the area.
“Notably, both the Philippines and India work closely together under the ambit of the Asean Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus,” Andolong mentioned.
Both sides have determined to discover alternatives to additional strengthen defence and army relations, together with potential collaboration in addressing conventional and non-traditional security points regarding each the Philippines and India.
In August, India and the Philippines determined to broaden their ties in sectors like civil aviation, fintech, schooling, defence, and security. The decision was taken on the thirteenth India-Philippines Foreign Office Consultations and the fourth Strategic Dialogue that happened in Manila.
The bilateral defence and security ties between India and the Philippines have been on an upswing previously few years. In January, the Philippines concluded a $375 million cope with India for the procurement of three batteries of the BrahMos cruise missile. India signed a framework settlement with the Philippines in March that supplied for government-to-government offers for the availability of defence {hardware} and equipment.
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