India and the Philippines marked 75 years of diplomatic relations with the Indo-Philippine Cultural Education Exchange Summit, recently held at Gullas College of Medicine in Cebu. The event, organized in collaboration with Transworld Educare, highlighted key developments in education, healthcare, and cultural ties between the two nations.
A significant moment of the summit was the unveiling of a statue of Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar and the launch of the Pillai Medical Scholarship, reinforcing bilateral collaboration in medical education. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Harsh Kumar Jain, emphasized the deep-rooted cultural and trade links between the two countries, noting that connections extend beyond the formal establishment of diplomatic ties in 1949.
“Our culture, trade, and civilizational linkages go far back in history,” Ambassador Jain said, pointing to linguistic and archaeological evidence. The presence of Sanskrit-derived words in Filipino languages and the discovery of the Lavana inscription—one of the oldest artifacts found in the Philippines, written in a script derived from India’s Pallava script—serve as testaments to this historical connection.
Strengthening Educational and Economic Ties
The summit also underscored growing economic and educational partnerships. Bilateral trade between India and the Philippines surpassed $3.5 billion last year, and investments continue to rise. The introduction of an e-visa program for Indian nationals in December 2024 has further facilitated tourism and business exchanges. Officials have also hinted at the imminent launch of a dedicated student visa program to support the increasing number of Indian students pursuing medical education in the Philippines.
Ambassador Jain highlighted the significance of this collaboration, quoting India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar: “This important anniversary is both a celebration of what we have achieved and a reminder of what lies ahead. Our friendship is truly an enduring one that is now poised to move to a higher level.”
Medical Education as a Pillar of Indo-Philippine Relations
Medical education has emerged as a key area of cooperation between the two nations. Dr. David Pillai, President of Transworld Educare and Chairman of Kings International Medical Academy, emphasized his vision for transforming medical education through global partnerships.
“I want to make sure that this school will be completely futuristic in the next three years. And you will not see another school as advanced and futuristic like this,” Pillai stated. His broader ambition includes the creation of a ‘Global Knowledge City’ in Tamil Nadu, India, envisioned as a hub for top global universities, including Harvard, Cambridge, and Oxford, at a fraction of the prevailing education costs.
Ambassador Jain acknowledged Dr. Pillai’s contributions, stating, “Dr. Pillai has been one of the pioneers in establishing close cooperation with the Philippines in the field of medical education. His initiatives, including the Pillai Medical Scholarship Program, reflect a strong commitment to educational excellence in healthcare.”
A Win-Win Model for Indian Medical Students
The Philippines has become a sought-after destination for Indian medical students due to its emphasis on practical training and cost-effective education. Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare, explained that unlike India, where medical students often train in a single parent hospital, Philippine institutions collaborate with multiple hospitals, providing students with extensive clinical exposure from their second year.
The financial aspect is another major draw. While private medical education in India can exceed ₹1 crore, studying in the Philippines—including pre-med, MD, internship, accommodation, and travel—costs around ₹40 lakh over six years. This offers an affordable alternative to thousands of Indian students vying for limited medical seats in their home country.
Two Decades of Educational Partnership
The Indo-Philippine medical education partnership began in 1999, with the first batch of Indian students arriving in 2001. Over the years, the number of Indian students in the Philippines has grown significantly, with an average first-time pass rate of 80% in India’s medical licensing exam.
“As India and the Philippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties, the summit showcased how education and cultural exchange continue to strengthen our relationship,” Ambassador Jain remarked. “Our partnership is built on mutual respect and shared values, and I am confident it will continue to flourish, bringing prosperity to both nations.”
With initiatives such as the Thiruvalluvar statue, the Pillai Medical Scholarship, and the proposed Global Knowledge City, the India-Philippines partnership is set to grow even stronger in the years ahead.