Philippines Foreign Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro on Saturday described India’s bilateral relations with the Philippines as “excellent”, expressing confidence that the partnership between the. Speaking at a special briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the Philippines, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon underlined the importance. The November 16–17 visit will focus on strengthening India's strategic, trade and defence ties with Southeast Asia amid changing regional.