Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. headed to India Friday evening. Sept. 11, where he is expected to push for deeper defense and maritime cooperation, expanded trade and investment, and closer digital and economic ties with New Delhi.
Marcos left the country at around 7:50 p.m. for a two-day visit that will also see him represent the Philippines, as ASEAN chairman, at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
“Secondly, I return to India to further drive forward and provide practical substance to our engagement,” Marcos said in his departure message.
Marcos is expected to hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and review the implementation of the Philippines-India Five-Year Plan of Action for 2025–2029, which supports both countries’ Strategic Partnership.
“Our discussions will cover defense and maritime cooperation, trade and investment, the proposed Preferential Trade Agreement, health and pharmaceuticals, digital cooperation, tourism, direct air connectivity, and people-to-people ties,” Marcos said.
The visit comes just over a year after Marcos traveled to India for a state visit that saw Manila and New Delhi elevate their 75-year diplomatic relationship to a Strategic Partnership.
Marcos said he and Modi would assess progress in key areas of cooperation and continue discussions on broader economic and strategic issues affecting both countries.
The president is also expected to renew his invitation for Modi to visit Manila for the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit in November.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of ASEAN, his visit and presence would affirm India’s support for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship and objectives,” Marcos said.
Economic cooperation will also figure prominently in the trip, with Marcos expected to meet Indian companies and encourage them to invest in the Philippines.
“They will have plenty of opportunities to consider in infrastructure, digitalization, IT, pharmaceuticals, transport and logistics, and other sectors critical to our development,” he said.
ASEAN voice in BRICS
Marcos will attend the BRICS Summit as leader of an invited “Outreach Country” and in his capacity as ASEAN chair.
The president said he would bring ASEAN’s priorities to the grouping, particularly on peace and security, inclusive economic growth, regional resilience, sustainable development, and food and energy security.
“In this role, I will carry ASEAN’s voice to the summit and help amplify our community’s perspectives on the issues of our time, guided by the priorities of our chairship: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment,” Marcos said.
At the summit’s opening session on Sept. 13, Marcos said he would also push for reforms in global governance and greater cooperation in addressing challenges affecting developing and emerging economies.
“We will call for fairer global governance, stronger disaster preparedness, the responsible use of new technologies, climate action, and the peaceful settlement of disputes under international law,” he said.
Marcos noted ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining its strategic autonomy while engaging countries with different geopolitical positions.
“Where the sea’s currents and trade winds of yore were sufficient to link geographies, we must now ensure that the sea lanes are just as free, open, and governed by law, rules, and responsible behavior,” Marcos said.
