The Philippines pushed for stronger regional cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India to alleviate risks in food security, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Thursday.

This comes as the Philippine delegation, led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., joined the 9th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry on Wednesday in New Delhi, India.

Tiu Laurel, who also serves as the ASEAN chairperson for 2026, said risks in food security no longer remain a “domestic concern.”

“Geopolitical and economic uncertainties, climate-related tragedies, and volatility in energy, transport, food and agricultural input markets continue to test the resilience of our food systems and supply chains,” he said in a statement.

Tiu Laurel said tensions prompting shocks to trade, transport, energy and even agricultural inputs are being felt beyond states’ borders.

“These challenges reinforce the very importance of practical regional cooperation, open communication and sustained partnerships,” he said.

He added global disruptions in markets and logistics “quickly affect” farmers and consumers.

Tiu Laurel, meanwhile, highlighted the significance of cooperation with India, citing its expertise in agriculture, food systems, research, technology and capacity development.

During the meeting, he said deepening coordination will advance proper regional preparedness ahead of global disruptions or “full-blown” supply crises.

“I am confident that today’s discussions will further strengthen the ASEAN-India partnership and translate our shared priorities into concrete and mutually beneficial cooperation,” Tiu Laurel earlier said.

“As we move into the next phase of ASEAN-India cooperation, we look forward to practical, results-oriented activities that contribute to food security, sustainability, resilience, innovation, knowledge exchange and the well-being of our agricultural communities.”

During the meeting, leaders reviewed the ASEAN-India Medium-Term Plan of Action for Cooperation in Agriculture and Forestry for 2021 to 2025, as well as the next five-year plan from 2026 to 2030.

Other discussions include those from the 47th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry meeting in 2025 and the special AMAF meeting in April 2026 on the Middle East situation.

Manila also included matters focusing on extreme weather, geopolitical disruptions and price adjustments and availability of fuel, fertilizer, feed and other farm inputs within the Philippine setting. (PNA)