Author: Lisa Palma
Published: 25 June 2026
ISEAS Perspective 2026/46
When President Rodrigo Duterte began his presidency in 2016, he was keen for the Philippines to pursue an independent foreign policy and reduce the Philippines’ dependency on traditional partners while diversifying partnerships with other nations. This bold take on the usual foreign policy stance of Manila has opened new doors for non-traditional partners such as India to engage with the Philippines. Duterte expressed that it views India as a “vital partner” in the Indo-Pacific, providing the political impetus for improved Philippine-India ties.
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