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Advocates Philippines
President Marcos Jr. Embarks On State Visit To India To Deepen Strategic Ties
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed on Monday for a five-day state visit to India, aiming to deepen cooperation with one of Asia’s most dynamic economies. The visit, made at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is seen as both a symbolic and strategic gesture, capping the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and India.
In his departure speech, President Marcos called India a “valued friend of the Philippines,” highlighting cultural and historical links that predate colonial times. He noted that while the relationship between the two nations has developed steadily over the decades, it is now poised for broader and more meaningful collaboration.
“Our bilateral relations have seen a measured and stable development that is both comprehensive in scope and multifaceted in nature,” he said. Marcos emphasized shared democratic values, a mutual commitment to regional peace, and overlapping maritime interests as key foundations for stronger ties.
A central theme of the visit is maritime cooperation. President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to international maritime law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral ruling in favor of the Philippines regarding the South China Sea.
The President also outlined several areas where he sees strong potential for collaboration—defense, trade, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and digital connectivity, among others. He pointed to India’s thriving pharmaceutical industry as a possible partner in efforts to make medicine more affordable for Filipinos.
“I want this visit to bring concrete benefits for the Filipino people, such as more affordable medicine and greater connectivity and food security,” Marcos said.
To encourage closer people-to-people ties, the Philippine government recently announced visa-free entry for Indian travelers, a move expected to boost tourism and cultural exchange.
Accompanied by a business delegation, Marcos will make stops in New Delhi and Bengaluru—India’s tech capital—where he will meet with Indian industry leaders, especially in the IT sector. The goal, he said, is to strengthen cooperation in digital transformation and business process management, areas where both countries already share common ground.
Several Indian companies are currently operating in the Philippines, particularly in IT, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications, setting the stage for expanded investments.
While President Marcos is abroad, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin will serve as officer-in-charge of the government, supported by Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.
India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy, continues to play a growing role in the Indo-Pacific region. For the Philippines, this visit represents not just the celebration of historic friendship—but a step toward a more strategic and future-oriented partnership.
In his departure speech, President Marcos called India a “valued friend of the Philippines,” highlighting cultural and historical links that predate colonial times. He noted that while the relationship between the two nations has developed steadily over the decades, it is now poised for broader and more meaningful collaboration.
“Our bilateral relations have seen a measured and stable development that is both comprehensive in scope and multifaceted in nature,” he said. Marcos emphasized shared democratic values, a mutual commitment to regional peace, and overlapping maritime interests as key foundations for stronger ties.
A central theme of the visit is maritime cooperation. President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to international maritime law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral ruling in favor of the Philippines regarding the South China Sea.
The President also outlined several areas where he sees strong potential for collaboration—defense, trade, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and digital connectivity, among others. He pointed to India’s thriving pharmaceutical industry as a possible partner in efforts to make medicine more affordable for Filipinos.
“I want this visit to bring concrete benefits for the Filipino people, such as more affordable medicine and greater connectivity and food security,” Marcos said.
To encourage closer people-to-people ties, the Philippine government recently announced visa-free entry for Indian travelers, a move expected to boost tourism and cultural exchange.
Accompanied by a business delegation, Marcos will make stops in New Delhi and Bengaluru—India’s tech capital—where he will meet with Indian industry leaders, especially in the IT sector. The goal, he said, is to strengthen cooperation in digital transformation and business process management, areas where both countries already share common ground.
Several Indian companies are currently operating in the Philippines, particularly in IT, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications, setting the stage for expanded investments.
While President Marcos is abroad, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin will serve as officer-in-charge of the government, supported by Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.
India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy, continues to play a growing role in the Indo-Pacific region. For the Philippines, this visit represents not just the celebration of historic friendship—but a step toward a more strategic and future-oriented partnership.
Aug 4, 2025
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