MANILA—President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude to India for rescuing Filipino seafarers during a Houthi rebel attack in 2024, highlighting the need to strengthen maritime safety and security for Filipino crew members navigating strategic sea lanes.

“Safe navigation and security are important, especially for Filipino seafarers who are on almost every ship plying these historic and strategic sea lanes,” President Marcos said during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

“I again thank the Indian people and the brave men and women of the Indian Navy, through Prime Minister Modi, for your kind rescue of our nationals in 2024 after a Houthi rebel attack,” he added.

The President’s remarks refer to the Indian Navy’s assistance in rescuing Filipino crew members aboard the MV True Confidence, which came under attack in the Gulf of Aden in early 2024. President Marcos had earlier conveyed his appreciation during the March 2024 courtesy visit of Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Malacañang.

Marcos also emphasized that the newly established Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and India will extend its impact beyond traditional bilateral cooperation.

“We recognize India’s influence as a first responder role in this critical area, and we want to work with you for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.

“We both have high stakes in the future with our Indo-Pacific region and in the world. The Philippines-India strategic partnership will doubtless resonate beyond the confines of our bilateral relationship,” the President added.