India-Philippines Boost Anti-Terror Partnership at Manila JWG Meet
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The curtains came down on the second India-Philippines Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism in Manila, marking a new chapter in their shared battle against terror. Spanning two days, the session tackled pressing issues from local hotspots to global jihadist networks.
Jointly presided over by MEA’s Vinod Bahade and Philippines’ Marshal Luis M. Alferes, the agenda covered critical domains like counter-terror ops, policing synergy, legal reciprocity, and skill enhancement programs.
Both countries issued a firm rebuke against all terror incarnations, explicitly including state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. The statement mourned the Pahalgam massacre in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, and the Delhi Red Fort terror bid on November 10, 2025, with the Philippines voicing firm backing for India.
Discussions honed in on amplifying intel exchanges to neutralize nascent threats, curbing terror finance via cutting-edge tech, and devising anti-radicalization measures. A call for unwavering global teamwork via UN, FATF, APG, and ARF was resounding.
Beyond the core meeting, Indian officials interfaced with Philippines’ National Security Council and AML Council leaders. The pact to convene the next JWG in India underscores a deepening strategic bond poised to yield tangible security gains.
