The Philippines and India have bolstered their maritime alliance as coast guard personnel of both sides made their first ever bilateral talks to ensure "safe, secure and clean seas" in the Indo-Pacific region.
This developed as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Indian Coast Guard signed on Tuesday, August 22, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on enhanced maritime cooperation, which followed the visit of a PCG delegation to New Delhi.
The Indian Ministry of Defense described the signing as a "significant step towards bolstering the bilateral cooperation" between Manila and New Delhi.

The signing came as India also joined this year a chorus of nations calling out China's aggression and incursion into the West Philippine Sea, a part of the Philippine exclusive economic zone that Beijing claims to be its own.
During the celebration of the 7th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, India expressed its support for the Philippines' claim.
Indian Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran called for adherence to international law as New Delhi looked forward to "better engagement" with Manila when it comes to maritime security.
According to the Indian Defense Ministry, the MOU that was inked Tuesday "seeks to enhance the professional linkage between the two Coast Guards in the domain of Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), Maritime Search & Rescue (M-SAR) and Marine Pollution Response (MPR)."
"The implementation of this MoU will enhance bilateral maritime cooperation between the two nations for ensuring safe, secure and clean seas in the region.The first ever bilateral meeting between both the maritime agencies signifies the dedication in strengthening the professional bonds by sharing best practices, conducting joint exercises and enhancing training collaborations," it added.
A five member delegation of PCG flew to India for an official tour August 20 to 24.
The delegation was scheduled to visit the Indian state of Goa, where they witnessed the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft under "Atmanirbhar Bharat."
During the visit, the delegation was also provided with a customer demonstration flight on the Indian Coast Guard Advance Light Helicopter MK-III.