Manila, September 10, 2024 — Defense Secretary Giridhar Armane will co-chair the 5th Indo-Philippines Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting on September 11, 2024, in Manila. Armane will lead the discussions alongside Senior Undersecretary Irino Cruz Espino of the Department of National Defense of the Philippines, underscoring the growing defense cooperation between the two nations.
The visit is seen as significant as India and the Philippines mark 75 years of diplomatic relations and a decade of India's 'Act East' policy. The bilateral relations have expanded into several key areas, with defense and security cooperation at the forefront. Both countries aim to bolster ties, with a special focus on achieving self-reliance in defense production.
The JDCC, established under the 2006 MoU on Defense Cooperation, continues to serve as a vital platform for defense collaboration. Notably, the elevation of the Co-Chairmanship to the Secretary level signifies the growing importance of this relationship. The last JDCC meeting, held at the Joint Secretary level in New Delhi in March 2023, laid the groundwork for further engagement in defense and strategic cooperation.
During his visit, Armane is expected to meet with other high-ranking officials of the Philippine government, furthering discussions on deepening ties between the two countries.
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