The Philippines and India have taken another step toward a possible free trade agreement, using a high-level bilateral trade meeting to advance discussions on deeper economic integration and broaden cooperation in sectors ranging from renewable energy to artificial intelligence.
Officials from both countries met in Makati City on June 5 for the 14th Philippines–India Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI), where they reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade, investment, and commercial ties amid growing economic engagement between the two Asian economies.
The talks come as Manila and New Delhi seek to build on the momentum generated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India in August 2025, which elevated economic cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral relations.
A major agenda item was the proposed Philippines–India Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), viewed as a potential stepping stone toward a broader free trade arrangement. Officials exchanged views on the possible timing, scope, and framework of negotiations, while taking into account the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement.
Both sides agreed to continue consultations on the process and modalities for formally launching negotiations, signaling sustained interest in lowering trade barriers and unlocking new opportunities for businesses in both markets.
The meeting was co-chaired by Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty and Joint Secretary Amit Verma of India’s Department of Commerce, who reviewed recent developments in bilateral economic relations and identified areas where cooperation could be accelerated.
Beyond trade liberalization, discussions covered a wide range of strategic sectors, including renewable energy, information and communications technology, IT-business process management, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, customs modernization, and the creative industries.
The two countries also explored ways to improve market access, streamline trade procedures, and strengthen business-to-business linkages as part of broader efforts to boost commercial activity and investment flows.
The renewed push comes as India continues to emerge as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, offering Philippine exporters and investors access to a vast consumer market, while providing opportunities for collaboration in technology, manufacturing, and energy development.
By keeping trade negotiations on the table while expanding cooperation across multiple industries, Manila and New Delhi appear to be laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive economic partnership that could significantly deepen bilateral trade and investment ties in the years ahead.
