Manila, Jan. 29 -- The much-anticipated direct flights between India and the Philippines are expected to begin later this year.

During the Indian Republic Day reception in Taguig City on Monday(January 27), Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, suggested that people-to-people connections are set to grow further, with the likely launch of direct flights between the two countries in the coming months.

India's flag carrier Air India and IndiGo are being eyed to cater the non-stop flights.

This development comes as Manila rolls out new measures to tap into Indian outbound tourism as it recalibrates to meet targets amid a decline in Chinese arrivals.

The Philippines previously launched the e-Visa system for Indians n...