On August 5, 2025, India and the Philippines celebrated a remarkable milestone—75 years of diplomatic relations. To mark this special occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Bongbong Marcos unveiled commemorative stamps Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The stamps are more than just beautiful pieces of paper. They’re powerful symbols of the deep-rooted friendship and cultural connection between these two nations.
A Blooming Connection: The National Flowers
The Lotus of India
The Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is India’s national flower. It’s not just admired for its beauty. The lotus is woven deeply into Indian culture, spirituality, and history.
- Symbolism: In Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus stands for purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.
- Adoption: Officially adopted as the national flower in 1950, the lotus is seen as an emblem of resilience. Even when rooted in mud, it blooms with stunning beauty.
- In Everyday Life: The lotus often appears in Indian art, currency, temple designs, and even political symbols. This flower reminds Indians of their country’s ability to thrive through challenges and emerge stronger.
The Sampaguita of the Philippines
The Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac), with its delicate white blooms and sweet fragrance, is the national flower of the Philippines.
- Symbolism: It stands for purity, simplicity, and humility. Filipinos associate it with sincerity and strength of character.
- Adoption: Proclaimed the national flower in 1934, Sampaguita garlands are used in festivals, ceremonies, and as tokens of welcome.
- In Everyday Life: Sampaguita is a part of Filipino songs, folklore, and daily rituals. It’s a constant reminder of the nation’s gentle spirit and enduring hope.
The Stamps: Art Meets Diplomacy
India released a beautiful miniature sheet featuring two stamps, each valued at ₹50. The design highlights the Lotus and the Sampaguita —a true blend of Indian and Filipino identity.
The Philippines side issued a sheetlet, containing eight sets of two stamps (each set valued at ₱66, with ₱23 and ₱43 denominations). The artwork on both releases is a visual treat, combining vibrant blooms, national colors, and elegant calligraphy.
Collector’s Note
This joint issue is special for collectors for several reasons:
- Joint issue: A occasion where both nations collaborated on a theme.
- National symbolism: National flowers aren’t just botanical choices; they are identity markers for both countries.
- High face value: The Indian miniature sheet (₹100 total) priced higher than regular commemorative issues, making them less likely to be used on everyday mail.
- Themes: These stamps fit well into collections on flora, international relations, joint issues, and cultural symbols.
Closing Notes
Celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties is not just about looking back. It’s a way to reaffirm the friendship and shared values between India and the Philippines. The stamps remind us that even though our countries are far apart, the roots of our cultures run deep—and often, they blossom in surprisingly similar ways.
Did you add this joint issue to your collection?
Which other joint issues do you cherish? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
