The 4th Meeting of the India-Philippines Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation was held virtually on 06 November 2020 which was co-chaired by Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Teodoro Locsin Jr., Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Philippines. The meet saw the discussions on matters of mutual importance and also reviewed the recent developments in India-Philippines bilateral relations
Key Points:
–Both sides agreed to further strengthen defence engagement and maritime cooperation.
–They also agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism with information exchange and support in terms of specialized training needs.
–Both co-chairs agreed on expanding trade and investment links.
–They also agreed to work towards strengthening cooperation in agriculture, health and pharmaceuticals, tourism, energy, Information and communications technology (ICT), and science & technology (S&T).
–Indian side invited Filipino students, scholars and academicians to avail the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) and e-ITEC initiatives, and make use of integrated PhD Fellowships offered to ASEAN students at IITs.
- Instituted in 1964, ITEC is a government aided bilateral assistance programme focused on addressing the needs of developing countries through innovative technological cooperation between India and the partnering nation.
–Both nations will explore cooperation in emerging areas such as renewable energy, space, cyber security and traditional medicine.
–To expand trade, investment, tourism and student exchange between the two countries, both sides agreed to work towards a simplified visa regime between India and Philippines.
–They also reaffirmed their commitment to a multifaceted partnership in line with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific to achieve shared security, prosperity and growth for all in the region.
Recent Related News:
i.On 17th August, 2020 13th Session of the India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation was held virtually.The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India and Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates.
ii.On October 13, 2020, the 6th session of India-Norway Joint Commission was held virtually where Indian delegation was led by Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Norwegian delegation was led by Ms. Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide, Foreign Minister of Norway.
About Philippines
Capital– Manila
Currency– Philippine peso
President– Rodrigo Roa Duterte
