New Delhi / Manila, 2 December 2025:
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) convened their first Annual Bilateral Meeting in Manila on Tuesday, marking a significant step in strengthening maritime cooperation between the two nations. The meeting was held under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in August 2023.
The discussions centered on expanding collaboration in key areas such as maritime search and rescue (SAR), maritime law enforcement, marine pollution response, and capacity building. The meeting was co-chaired by Additional Director General Donny Michael, PTM, TM, Coast Guard Commander (Eastern Seaboard), and Vice Admiral Edgar L. Ybanez, Deputy Commandant for Operations of the PCG.
Both sides reviewed recent ship visits, professional exchanges, and ongoing cooperative engagements, agreeing to scale up joint initiatives aimed at improving interoperability and operational coordination. Officials highlighted that deeper cooperation would enable faster, more effective responses to regional maritime challenges.
The dialogue reflects India’s broader strategic outreach to Southeast Asia through the Act East Policy, as well as its maritime initiatives—Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Enhanced cooperation with the Philippines is seen as an essential component of India’s growing role in promoting a secure, stable, and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.
Reaffirming their commitment to continued institutional interactions, both Coast Guards emphasized the importance of joint training, exchange of best practices, and reciprocal ship visits. These engagements, they noted, help build mutual trust while improving operational synergy.
The meeting concluded with India and the Philippines reiterating their shared resolve to work closely in a spirit of friendship and cooperation to enhance regional maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
