04 Jul India- Philippines
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “India- Philippines”. The topic “India- Philippines” has relevance in the International Relations section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
Facts about the Philippines?
For Mains:
GS 2: International Relations
Facts about India- Philippines relations?
Highlights of the meeting?
Why in the news?
Recently, the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation was organised, between the Indian External Affairs Minister and his Philippines counterpart.
Facts about the Philippines?
Geographical Features:
- Archipelago located in Southeast Asia.
- It is a group of 7,641 islands, with Luzon and Mindanao being the largest.
- Manila is the capital city situated on Luzon Island.
- Mount Apo (2,954 meters) on Mindanao Island is the highest peak and an active volcano.
Climate and Biodiversity:
- Tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round.
- Experiences wet and dry seasons.
- Considered one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
Geological Activity:
- Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
- More than 20 active volcanoes, including recent eruptions of Mayon.
- Notable volcanoes include Taal and Mount Pinatubo, which erupted in 1991.
Facts about India- Philippines relations?
Political Relations:
- Diplomatic relations established in 1949.
- Intensified relations with the Philippines through the Look East Policy and Act East Policy.
- Common approach towards the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing a free, open, and stable region.
Economic Relations:
- India is the Philippines’ fifteenth largest trading partner.
- Bilateral trade worth approximately USD 3 billion in 2022.
- Philippines is a net importer in goods trade with India.
Defense Cooperation:
- Growing defense and security partnership.
- Significant development is the BrahMos missile deal, a supersonic cruise missile co-developed by India and Russia.
Highlights of the meeting?
Defense Cooperation:
- Both countries expressed interest in enhancing defense cooperation.
- They discussed regular or upgraded official-level interactions between defense agencies.
- Consideration of India’s offer for concessional Line of Credit to meet Philippines’ defense requirements.
- Opening of a resident Defense Attaché office in Manila.
Maritime Security:
- Emphasis on cooperation in maritime domain awareness (MDA).
- Information exchange and Joint patrols to enhance MDA capabilities.
- Early operationalization of the standard operating procedure for the White Shipping Agreement between the Philippines Coast Guard and Indian Navy .
Cyber Security Cooperation:
- Discussions on expanding cooperation in existing domains, including anti-terrorism measures and intelligence exchange.
- Exploring collaboration in cyber security, artificial intelligence, and space cooperation.
Regional and International Issues:
- Wide-ranging discussions on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
- Focus on China’s growing assertiveness and territorial claims in the South China Sea.
- Emphasis on peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.
plutus ias current affairs eng med 4th July 2023
Q.1 Consider the following countries: (2018)
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- India
- Japan
- USA
Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6
Ans: (c)
Q2. The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as (2016)
(a) G20
(b) ASEAN
(c) SCO
(d) SAARC
Ans: (b)
Q.3 Examine the key areas of cooperation discussed during the 5th Meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between India and the Philippines. Discuss the significance of defense cooperation and maritime security in strengthening bilateral relations.
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