The Philippines has praised India for organising a “very successful” BRICS Summit, while highlighting the importance of South-South cooperation and the growing diversity of the grouping.
Philippines Foreign Secretary Ma Theresa P Lazaro said India had played an important role in steering BRICS despite differing geopolitical perspectives among its members.
Her remarks came after India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13.
Lazaro highlighted South-South cooperation as an important aspect of the BRICS platform.
She also welcomed the diversity of the expanded grouping and said it was significant that BRICS was addressing a broad range of geopolitical issues.
The Philippines Foreign Secretary commended India for both initiating the important platform and successfully organising the summit.
The BRICS Summit also provided an opportunity for India and the Philippines to advance their bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit, discussing ways to deepen the two countries’ strategic partnership.
Their discussions covered several areas, including:
- Defence
- Maritime security
- Infrastructure
- Fintech
- Trade
- Emerging technologies
- Space cooperation
Lazaro highlighted infrastructure and fintech as important areas discussed by the two leaders.
The Philippines is also exploring cooperation with India in the space sector, including the possibility of working with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to support the country’s newly established space agency.
The discussions reflect the expanding scope of India-Philippines cooperation beyond traditional areas into technology and emerging sectors.
India and the Philippines share multifaceted relations based on historical connections and shared democratic values.
Bilateral cooperation covers areas such as defence, trade, investment and cultural exchange.
The two countries formally established diplomatic relations on November 26, 1949, shortly after both nations gained independence.
The latest leadership-level engagement indicates continued efforts to strengthen this longstanding relationship.
India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit under the theme:
“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The summit brought together leaders of 11 member countries and 10 partner countries, along with representatives of international organisations.
The New Delhi Declaration was adopted unanimously.
It addressed a range of issues, including global governance, economic cooperation, trade, energy security, technology, climate change and reforms of international institutions.
The Philippines’ emphasis on South-South cooperation reflects the broader focus of the summit on the interests and priorities of developing and emerging economies.
With BRICS expanding its membership and partnership network, the grouping provides a platform for countries to engage on development, economic cooperation and global governance.
India’s chairship placed resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability at the centre of these discussions.
