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Philippines Seeks India Tech Alliance as "Window to the West" at AI Summit

The Philippines' Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Henry Rhoel Aguda, has expressed a strong desire for closer technological ties with India. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, he positioned the Philippines as a strategic "window to the west" and a potential bridge for technology. He highlighted the significant Indian diaspora and shared cultural bonds as a foundation for deeper bilateral cooperation. The summit itself is a major global gathering focused on human-centric and equitable AI development.

Key Points: Philippines Eyes India Tech Partnership to Bridge Global Divide

  • Strategic tech bridge between East and West
  • Leveraging large Indian diaspora
  • Focus on AI for global welfare
  • Summit part of global AI governance push
2 min read

"Window to the West": Philippines DICT chief eyes India partnership to bridge global tech gap

Philippines DICT chief Henry Aguda proposes strategic tech partnership with India at AI summit, aiming to bridge East-West technology gaps.

"The Philippines is strategically and geographically located as the window to the west. - Henry Rhoel Aguda"

New Delhi, February 18

Henry Rhoel Aguda, Secretary of Information and Communications Technology of the Philippines, on Wednesday expressed a strong desire for closer technological and bilateral ties with India, highlighting the deep cultural and strategic synergy between the two nations.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Aguda emphasised the Philippines' unique geographic position and the immense potential for a mutually beneficial partnership in the technology sector.

"The Philippines is strategically and geographically located as the window to the west. We feel that by partnering with India, we would be able to bring some of the technology back to the Philippines so that we can be a bridge between the two sides of the world," Aguda told ANI.

The Secretary further underscored the significant Indian diaspora in the Philippines and the cultural bonds that already unite the two countries.

"India has a large ethnic population in our country. They are the third-largest ethnic group, and we do celebrate your festivities in our country, as well as the great food. We want a much closer tie with India," he added.

These remarks come amid the India AI Impact Summit 2026, currently underway at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from February 16 to February 20.

The summit has brought together government policymakers, industry AI experts, academicians, technology innovators, and civil society representatives from across the world to advance global discussions on artificial intelligence.

As the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, the event aims to reflect on the transformative potential of AI, aligning with India's national vision of "Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya" (welfare for all, happiness for all) and the broader global principle of AI for Humanity.

The summit features participation from more than 110 countries and 30 international organisations, including around 20 heads of state or government and about 45 ministers.

It forms part of an evolving international process focused on strengthening global cooperation on AI governance, safety, and societal impact.

Guided by the three foundational Sutras - People, Planet, and Progress - the India AI Impact Summit 2026 promotes human-centric AI that safeguards rights and ensures equitable benefits across societies, environmentally sustainable advancement of AI, and inclusive economic and technological progress.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in Manila, the cultural connection is real. The Indian community there is respected and integrated. A tech partnership makes perfect sense. India's digital public infrastructure (like UPI) could be a great model for the Philippines to adapt.
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Priya S
Love the emphasis on "Sarvajana Hitaya" – welfare for all. This is what sets India's approach apart. We're not just exporting tech, but a philosophy of inclusive growth. Hope the partnership focuses on affordable AI solutions for agriculture and healthcare in both our rural areas.
R
Rohit P
Good move strategically. But we must ensure our own tech talent pool isn't stretched too thin. We have massive domestic needs too. The partnership should be about co-creation and skill exchange, not just a one-way street.
K
Karthik V
The diaspora link is our soft power superpower! 🎉 When he mentions celebrating our festivals and food there, it shows a genuine foundation of friendship. Tech partnerships built on such cultural understanding are more sustainable. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
Hosting the first Global South AI summit is a major diplomatic win. It shifts the narrative. Partnerships like this with the Philippines show that the future of tech governance won't be dictated solely by Silicon Valley or Beijing. A new multipolar tech world is emerging.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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