In a significant step forward for regional technological cooperation, the Space Industry Association of India (SIA-India) and the Electronic Industries Association of the Philippines Inc. (EIAPI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in space, satellite communication, and electronic technologies.
The agreement marks a strategic convergence of industrial capabilities between two key Indo-Pacific democracies and underscores the operationalization of India’s Act East Policy and its expanded MAHASAGAR vision.
As India and the Philippines commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations, the MoU reflects the evolving Strategic Partnership between the two nations, recently reinforced through the 2025–2029 Plan of Action. This high-level framework spans key sectors including space, digital innovation, defence, and trade.
“This MoU is an industry-level commitment to deepen cooperation, building on the Statement of Intent between ISRO and PhilSA,” said Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA-India. “It empowers our industries to co-develop technologies, foster innovation, and build skilled talent pools aligned with our national objectives.”
The agreement focuses on enabling joint research and development, product innovation, and manufacturing partnerships across sectors such as satellite communication hardware, embedded systems, IoT devices, and space-grade electronics. These areas are increasingly central to the Indo-Pacific’s technology landscape and integral to both countries’ industrial growth.
For the Philippines—where electronics account for nearly 60% of national exports—the collaboration provides access to India’s $115 billion electronics manufacturing ecosystem, and the potential to integrate into its rapidly expanding global value chains. For India, the partnership strengthens its regional industrial alliances under the Act East Policy, which prioritizes deeper economic and technological engagement with ASEAN nations.
Earl Lawrence Qua, President of EIAPI, noted, “Partnering with SIA-India helps us tap into India’s deep manufacturing and innovation base. We aim to accelerate co-development, nurture start-ups, and enable cross-border ecosystems that support both our space ambitions and economic resilience.”
The MoU also highlights capacity building, including student exchange programs, joint academic research, and technical training workshops in advanced electronics and space technologies. Both organizations have agreed to share best practices on regulatory compliance, product safety, and acceptance testing, creating a framework for smoother bilateral industry operations.
The collaboration is further expected to complement India’s Electronic Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), opening avenues for co-developing critical components and promoting supply chain integration. As India targets $300 billion in electronics manufacturing by 2026, this agreement aligns with national priorities and extends India’s industrial outreach into the ASEAN region.
From a strategic standpoint, the MoU contributes to the building of a resilient Indo-Pacific technology corridor, leveraging electronics as the bedrock for next-generation space cooperation. It also aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR initiative, aimed at ensuring Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
