Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday described India as a “valued friend” as he began his five-day state visit to the country — his first official visit since taking office in 2022.
In his departure statement, Marcos said shared democratic values, maritime interests, and regional peace form the basis for “deeper, broader, and more meaningful bilateral cooperation” with India.
“Our bilateral relations have seen measured and stable development that is both comprehensive in scope and multifaceted in nature,” Marcos was quoted as saying by the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The Philippine President said the visit aims to bring “concrete benefits” for the Filipino people — including affordable medicine, better digital and physical connectivity, and enhanced food security. Areas such as defence, trade, health, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, tourism, and digital cooperation were identified as priority sectors.
The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines. Diplomatic ties were formally established in November 1949.
After arriving in New Delhi, Marcos is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two leaders will discuss bilateral cooperation in defence, security, economy, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, according to a statement from the President’s office.
Following his engagements in Delhi, Marcos will travel to Bengaluru to meet business leaders and explore opportunities for expanding economic ties.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a post on X, said the relationship with the Philippines is “anchored not only in strategic interests but also in deep historical and cultural ties.” It also reaffirmed the Philippines’ role as a key partner in India’s Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific strategy, and Vision MAHASAGAR.
Marcos and PM Modi last met on the sidelines of the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and 19th East Asia Summit in Lao PDR in October 2024, and earlier in Jakarta during the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in 2023.
IANS
