Philippines, India hold joint defense committee meeting

Commodore Pradeep Singh of India Navy, directorate of Foreign Cooperation, Integrated of the Ministry of Defense, visits the Philippine Navy on Thursday, Jan. 30.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and India are holding the third iteration of their joint defense cooperation committee meeting on Friday, as both sides continue to boost the defense aspect of their bilateral ties.

Commodore Pradeep Singh of India Navy, the directorate of Foreign Cooperation, Integrated of the Ministry of Defense, will lead the Indian delegation, said acting Navy public affairs chief Lt. Cmdr. Ma. Christina Roxas.

Singh visited the Philippine Navy on Thursday, where he was welcomed by chief of naval staff Rear Admiral Rey Dela Cruz.

“During the said courtesy call, both navies discussed on how it can further improve its defense cooperation through future engagement particularly in training and capabilities,” Roxas said.

The Philippines and India have stepped up its defense engagements in recent years. In 2017, the two countries have signed a defense and logistics agreement.

India “desires of upping our engagements” with the Philippines in many folds, New Delhi ambassador to Manila Jaideep Madumzar said in December at a forum at the National Defense College of the Philippines.

He said India is also looking forward to participating in many defense projects in the Philippines.

[EDV and ADBC]