Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called India a “valued friend” as he embarked on a five-day state visit to strengthen bilateral ties, marking his first official trip to India since taking office in 2022. In his departure statement, Marcos emphasized shared democratic values, maritime interests, and regional peace as the foundation for “deeper, broader, and more meaningful” cooperation, according to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Marcos highlighted potential collaboration in defense, trade, health, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, tourism, and digital connectivity, aiming to deliver “concrete benefits” like affordable medicines and enhanced food security for Filipinos. In New Delhi, he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss deepening ties in economy, security, and people-to-people exchanges, while also addressing regional and global issues. The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, underscoring their commitment to shared goals.

After New Delhi, Marcos will travel to Bengaluru to engage with business leaders and bolster economic ties. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted the Philippines’ key role in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy, rooted in deep historical and cultural ties. Diplomatic relations, established in November 1949, have grown significantly since India’s Look East Policy in 1992, further strengthened through ASEAN cooperation. The leaders’ prior meetings at ASEAN-India Summits in 2023 and 2024 set the stage for this historic visit to elevate bilateral relations.

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