‘We welcome India’s presence in South China Sea’: Philippines Ambassador says trade nears $4 bn

Philippines Ambassador to India Josel F. Ignacio discusses the growing India-Philippines relationship, with bilateral trade nearing the $4-billion mark and both countries looking to expand cooperation in technology and electric vehicles. He also highlights India’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific and welcomes its presence in the South China Sea, including maritime cooperation with the Philippines. As the Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026, the envoy outlines its priorities of peace and security, economic prosperity and people empowerment, while highlighting India’s important role in ASEAN connectivity and regional cooperation.