India and the Philippines have established a joint venture, the SMPP-ADFC, to enhance local defence manufacturing, aligning with their respective self-reliance initiatives. This partnership, formalized during President Marcos Jr.’s visit to India, focuses on producing advanced defence products like ballistic protection systems and ammunition components, directly supporting Philippine military needs and ensuring compliance with local laws. As both nations face maritime tensions in the Indo-Pacific, this collaboration signifies a strategic counterbalance to Chinese influence, strengthening regional security and enhancing India’s defence export footprint while fostering a resilient Filipino defence ecosystem. This initiative underscores India’s growing role as a key defence partner in Southeast Asia, particularly after the BrahMos missile deal.