The Indian Armed Forces (IAF) is willing to provide operational and cyber-security training to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the two nations further deepen their defense engagements.

Indian Ambassador to Manila Shambhu Santha Kumaran made this remark during his courtesy call on Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. last Oct. 6.

“On military training cooperation, the Ambassador reiterated the IAF’s offer of courses for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically on operational readiness and cyber security,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement over the weekend.

Kumaran also conveyed a congratulatory message from India’s Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh for Faustino

Faustino said India is among the Philippines’ important partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

“He highlighted the importance of sustaining defense engagement between both countries, particularly the conduct of high-level dialogue, education and training exchanges, information sharing, and defense industry and logistics cooperation, among others,” Andolong said.

Faustino also mentioned the DND’s interest in welcoming a resident Indian defense attaché in Manila.

“The Ambassador responded with gratitude for the Philippines’ acquisition of Indian-made defense equipment. He also encouraged enhancing defense industry dialogue, to include discussions on aerospace platforms, air defense systems, and upgrade of artilleries. He further recognized the importance of developing a self-reliant defense posture in meeting security challenges of recent times,” Andolong said.

Both officials also exchanged views and insights on various geopolitical challenges.

Faustino stressed the critical role of strengthening partnership among like-minded countries, especially India and the Asean member states, to maintain stability in the region.

“Notably, both the Philippines and India work closely together under the ambit of the Asean Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus,” Andolong said.

Both parties welcomed opportunities to further strengthen defense and military relations, including potential collaboration in addressing traditional and non-traditional security issues concerning both the Philippines and India. (PNA)