About this stamp
India–Philippines Joint Stamp: Celebrating 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations
The friendship between India and the Philippines is rooted in deep historical, cultural, and civilizational connections. Sharing common values and interests, the two nations have nurtured a warm relationship that officially began with the establishment of diplomatic ties in November 1949.
Over the decades, this partnership has flourished, with the Philippines becoming a key pillar in India’s Act East Policy, Vision MAHASAGAR, and Indo-Pacific vision, as well as an important partner in India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN.
Growing Bilateral Cooperation
In recent years, relations between India and the Philippines have expanded across multiple fronts:
- High-level political dialogues have strengthened mutual trust and understanding.
- Trade and commerce are steadily growing, unlocking new opportunities.
- Defence and maritime cooperation, including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), have become vital areas of collaboration.
- Partnerships in science and technology, digital innovation, financial technologies, and agriculture are creating new pathways of growth.
- People-to-people exchanges continue to enrich cultural and social ties, deepening friendship beyond diplomacy.
75 Years of Diplomatic Relations – A Philatelic Tribute
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Department of Posts proudly releases a joint issue of commemorative postage stamps with the Philippines.
The theme of this issue is National Flowers:
- Lotus (India) – a symbol of purity, resilience, and spiritual enlightenment.
- Sampaguita (Philippines) – a symbol of fidelity, humility, and strength.
The design reflects the enduring friendship and cultural affinity between the two nations, beautifully blending floral emblems that carry profound meaning in both societies.
Released During a State Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines unveiled the stamps on 5 August 2025, during the President’s state visit to India from 4 to 8 August 2025. In the same visit the two countries raised their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, guided by a Plan of Action for 2025–2029. The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) released its own version of the joint issue.
The Joint Issue at a Glance
- Date of issue: 5 August 2025
- Stamps: two, Lotus (India) and Sampaguita (Philippines), ₹50 each
- Souvenir sheet: both stamps, priced ₹100; 1,12,000 printed
- Design: Anuj Kumar
- Printing: wet offset, Security Printing Press, Hyderabad
More Than a Stamp – A Symbol of Friendship
This joint stamp issue is more than a philatelic collectible. It represents:
- 75 years of shared history
- Cultural connections and common values
- Commitment to future collaboration and prosperity
Through this release, India Post continues its tradition of celebrating international partnerships with meaningful philatelic collections, offering collectors and citizens alike a symbol of global friendship and unity.
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