Marcos highlights India's adherence to rule of law

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its adherence to the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region. 

During the 22nd ASEAN - India Summit in Malaysia, Marcos underscored the ''great importance of the rule of law in our oceans.'' He said that ASEAN and India should see peaceful settlement of disputes and maritime cooperation as essential, as their seas contribute to the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.

''In this regard, I thank Prime Minister Modi for India’s consistent support for international law and the rule of law in our oceans,'' Marcos said. 

''I also value the experience and support of India for the peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to international law, particularly UNCLOS, which upholds our common interest as a community of nations to promote the peaceful uses of our seas and oceans, whether in the Bay of Bengal or the South China Sea,'' he added. 

Marcos lauded India, noting that as a responsible major power and a good neighbor, it should be seen as an example of how it uses international law to resolve differences.

''As we agreed to declare 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, the Philippines, as ASEAN Chair next year, looks forward to undertaking meaningful activities that will give greater substance to this celebration, such as maritime exercises to promote freedom and safety of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region,'' Marcos said. 

The Philippines is confident that the activities to promote maritime cooperation with India are a testament to the shared determination to protect trade and prosperity, and both parties' freedoms, Marcos said.

The President had a state visit to India last August, wherein he said he witnessed the common challenges of both countries. 

''As Southeast Asia’s next-door neighbor, which is set to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, India has a lot to offer to ASEAN as a region,'' Marcos said.

''As a committed Dialogue Partner that recognizes ASEAN Centrality through its Act East Policy, which stresses ASEAN as a core pillar of its engagement policy, we may also turn our gaze to India for solutions to our common concerns,'' he added. —AOL, GMA Integrated News