Modi, Marcos Pledge Closer Defense Ties Amid Rising China Threat

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met in New Delhi on Tuesday and agreed to deepen their military partnership, at a time when China is becoming increasingly assertive in the Indian Ocean.

“We have agreed to continue leveling up our collaboration in defense and security,” Marcos said at a briefing in New Delhi, adding that the “expanding capabilities and footprint” of India’s domestic defense manufacturing industry would support the Philippines’ ongoing military modernization.