Joseel F. Ignacio, the Philippines’ Ambassador to India, stated at the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) that relations between India and the Philippines have strengthened significantly over the past decade, culminating in the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership last year.
Addressing the concluding session of the ICWA’s silver jubilee celebrations on Tuesday, Ignacio said, “While our relations date back 77 years formally and diplomatically, it was actually about a decade ago that a distinct strengthening of ties began. Last year, during my President’s state visit, Prime Minister Modi and my President elevated the relationship to the level of a strategic partnership.”
He noted that amidst evolving foreign policy dynamics and security challenges, the Philippines now views India as a “key partner based on mutual and strategic trust.”
Ignacio stated, “This is also driven by complex foreign policy issues and questions. Consequently, for the Philippines, India is now a vital partner characterized by mutual and strategic trust. We see a clear convergence of interests; particularly in the maritime domain, we view India as a responsible actor, a preferred security partner, and a ‘first responder’ in times of crisis.”
Highlighting India’s assistance to Filipino seafarers, he added, “We experienced this firsthand over the last two years of uncertainty, when India stepped in to rescue Filipino seafarers across the broader Indian Ocean region.”
The Philippine Ambassador also highlighted India as a source of knowledge and a model for ASEAN nations.
He remarked, “For ASEAN—and certainly for the Philippines—India serves as both a model and a source of knowledge. We regard India as a valued partner.” Speaking at the same event, Chile’s Ambassador to India, Juan Rolando Angulo Monsalve, stated that India is viewed in Latin America as a friendly nation possessing significant soft power. He also highlighted the potential for growing cooperation between India and Latin America.
Monsalve said, “India is seen as a friendly country with considerable soft power. It is regarded as a non-aggressive nation; India has no history of expanding beyond its borders.”
He pointed out the cultural and social similarities between Indian and Latin American societies, including the importance placed on family and spirituality.
He remarked, “When I speak of soft power, India possesses many attributes that are highly appealing to Latin American societies and shares similar perspectives at a social level—for instance, the importance of family. India’s spirituality is also well-regarded in our part of the world. There is a very positive outlook regarding India and its progress.”
Recalling the visit of his former president to India last year, Monsalve said, “When my former president visited last year, he stated quite clearly that many parts of the world need India more; a country embodying these values ought to be present in our region.”
He also highlighted India’s strengths in the technology sector and noted that India’s engagement with Latin America is increasing.
The Chilean Ambassador said, “We consider India to be very strong in specific sectors such as IT, pharmaceuticals, space, satellites, and related technologies. We also observe that India is rediscovering Latin America.”
Expressing his gratitude to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, he said, “I would like to thank Minister Jaishankar because, under his guidance, we have witnessed the opening of Indian embassies in various Latin American countries.” In a post on X, following his concluding address at the ICWA’s silver jubilee celebrations, Jaishankar highlighted India’s growing global capabilities, the evolving communication landscape, and the country’s engagement with the Global South.
Jaishankar said, “Delighted to deliver the concluding address at the silver jubilee celebrations of @ICWA_NewDelhi being declared an Institution of National Importance.”
He emphasized the “contemporary trends” shaping the nation’s diplomacy. These include India’s expanding economy and capabilities over the last decade—and their impact on global engagement—as well as the changing global workforce, community initiatives, rapid response capabilities, and mobility-related agreements.
He also highlighted the “changing nature of communication and narrative building in the age of AI,” India’s “strong ties and solidarity with the Global South,” and its perspective on international issues that reflects “its persona as a civilizational state.” He further underscored India’s commitment to multipolarity, strategic autonomy, and an independent foreign policy stance.
Jaishankar stated, “India is destined to forge ahead in a turbulent world, and the intellectual dimensions of this process will certainly be challenging.” He expressed confidence that the ICWA “will continue to serve as a natural meeting point for the think-tank, academic, and policy communities, and present India’s perspective to the world.”
According to the ICWA’s official website, the Council was established in 1943 as a think-tank by a group of Indian intellectuals and functions as a non-official, non-political, and non-profit organization under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
