India, a Republic country in South Asia having over 1.2 billion people (Second most populous country). Being one of the fastest growing economical country in the world, it shares some important geographical importance on the map. It is bounded by the "Bay of Bengal" on the southeast, "Arabian Sea" on the southweat and "Indian Ocean" on the south. It is also seventh largest country by area sharing land border with Mayanmar and Bangladesh to the east,;Pakistan to the West; China, Nepal & Bhutan to the northeast.
And taking about Philippines, it is situated in the western Pacific Ocean, consists of about 7,641 islands. Philippines is bounded by the "Philippine Sea" on the east; "Celebes Sea" on the southwest and "South China Sea" on the west. Having population of 103 million, Philippines is one of the fastest growing country in BPO & IT sector.
Colonial History
The colonial history behind India and Philippines is completely different. According to history, Indians are said to be descendant of Aryas and Filipinos are said to be descendants of Mongolians.
But, in their colonial times, Indian was under British Empire for more than 200 years. And got their independence on 15th August,1947. Where the colonial history behind Philippines is a bit complicated. In early colonial time, Philippines was under Spanish rule. Later in 1898, in Spanish-American War, it came under America which marked the beginning of the American Colonial Era of Philippines history. Following the day (June,12), it is also celebrated as the National Holiday in Philippines history, Independence Day. Later, "Full Independence" from United States of America was signed on July,1946.
History Behind India-Philippines Relation
Many of you may not know, but India and Philippines share great relationship since 1949. India maintains embassy in Manila, the capital of Philippines and Philippines also maintains the same in New Delhi, the capital of India. And a friendship signature was signed between India and Philippines on 11th July,1952.
In the 17th century, during many "Anglo-Spanish Wars" many Indian troops arrived in the Philippines as part of the military expedition of the East India Company. But, when the British troops withdrew, many of the Indian troops settled there and refuses to come.
Culturae
India is said to be the most complicated country in the world when it comes in religions, languages or cultures. India is the home of at least 'Nine' recognized religions but most surprisingly in fact India have 1500+ Minor Languages and 122 Major Languages. Though 'Hindi' and 'English' are the most common accepted languages here. In almost every states in India, (29 states and 7 union territories) dressing style of the people, food, marriage ceremony are different. Though despite of being such differences in all, India is the world's one of the fastest growing country where every country and every religion people are always welcome.
In Philippines, more than 90 percentage people are Christian and Muslim being it's 2nd largest religion in the country. According to the "Commission on the Filipino Language", there is 130 languages present in the country. Though Filipino is the national language of Philippines, but most of the people can understand and speak English too; which makes outsiders easy to communicate with them.
Filipino cultures have Indian influences. Some part of the 'Tagalog' language came from Sanskrit. They use copper, bronze, brass, tin for decorative works which are also had Indian Origin.
Though it is to be seen many places that, most of the Filipinos don't like Indians there (Sikh & Sindhi people in Philippines) because they are like 5-6 loan shark (like they will give you 5 Pesos loan and in return they will charge 6 Pesos). And they address Indians as 'Bombay'. But, Filipino people are actually very sweet and very friendly. You are always welcome to them no matter they know you or not.
Military Relationship
India and Philippines share a special friendship between each other in Navy. They do joint operations very often. And ships from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard regularly visit Philippines.
Trading Partnership
According to the Bilateral Trade Agreement which was signed in the late 19 century, both countries share many major products between both.
Major items of Indian exports to Philippines are vehicles and part accessories, pharmaceutical products, mineral products,frozen buffalo meat, nuclear reactors, iron, steel and many more. And major items of Philippines exported to India are electrical and electronic machinery eqipments, animal & vegetable fats, paper products, organic & inorganic chemicals, rubber, steel and many more.
I came across many Filipino friends on social media. They are mostly fascinated about countries like South Korea or Japan; though some Filipino people from slum areas go to the Arab Countries for work.
But, in other side Indians are also not fascinated about Philippines. They are fascinated about European Countries and USA.
Though, despite of many differences they both hold sweet friendship among them and their government looking forward to strong their friendship in the South China Sea.
I will share one story told to me by one of my senior colleague. He was in Manila back in 2013-2014. While his stay in Manila in early days, he was very new there and had a 4 months old baby along with his wife. But sadly his wife fall sick and had to admit in the hospital. He was numb and couldn't decide what to do. And there came a helping hand from his neighbor. A local Filipino family living very next to his house, came into his rescue. They used to keep the baby to them while he was at work and twice a day they used to visit his wife at hospital. That's kinda helpful a Filipino family is.
In this coming 21st century, where all the countries are involved into increasing their numbers in Nuke Weapons, we need more friendly countries like India and Philippines who never came under the spotlight of friendship but behind the curtain hold a major impact in Asia because of their friendship.
Thank you,
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