Philippines: President Marcos Jr flies to India to meet PM Modi, boost economic, strategic ties
Agenda include deepening economic, tourism ties and strengthening maritime cooperation
Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has embarked for a significant five-day state visit to India on Monday.
Leaving at around 10:44 am, the trip marks an important milestone in the growing relationship between the Philippines and India.
Why is Marcos visiting India?
In his pre-departure statement, President Marcos underscored the deep maritime ties and shared strategic interests between the two Asian coastal powers.
“Our geostrategic position as coastal states that border the busiest international trade routes and critical sea lines of communication in the Indo-Pacific region, our shared interest in protecting the rights and welfare of our international seafarers, our steadfastness in upholding international maritime law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, and our unwavering commitment to regional peace and cooperation serve as credible foundations of our active and growing maritime cooperation,” he said.
It is incumbent upon us, now more than ever, to maximise the opportunities in trade and investment.Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, ahed of state visit to India
Beyond maritime security, Marcos aims to explore collaboration across a broad spectrum: defence, trade, investment, health, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure connectivity, agriculture, and tourism.
The Philippines seeks to leverage India's booming economy — currently the world's fourth largest — to unlock new growth opportunities.
The Filipino leader also hopes this visit will translate into “concrete benefits” for Filipinos, including access to more affordable medicines, improved connectivity, and enhanced food security.
Key visit highlights
The visit, scheduled from August 4 to 8, is at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Both countries are set to sign at least six agreements, covering various sectors.
Marcos will meet India’s top leaders including Prime Minister Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.
A special meeting with the Filipino community in New Delhi and high-profile meetings with Indian CEOs in Bangalore — the “Silicon Valley of India” — are on the agenda.
Crucially, the visit coincides with the Philippines and India holding their first-ever joint naval exercises in the West Philippine Sea, underscoring a strategic push in maritime security cooperation.
Why this visit matters
The Philippines and India share more than just geography — they face common security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and are united in upholding international maritime law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the landmark 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling.
This partnership is part of a broader strategy to ensure peace and stability in a region marked by rising tensions.
India’s growing role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific and its willingness to deepen defense and economic ties with the Philippines reflects an evolving regional dynamic.
Marcos’ India visit symbolises a commitment to diversify partnerships beyond traditional allies, focusing on mutually beneficial growth and regional balance.
Economic opportunity
President Marcos’ state visit to India is a blend of diplomacy, economic opportunity, and security cooperation that reflects the evolving priorities of the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific.
The agenda spans trade, defence, health, technology, and maritime security — with an eye on delivering tangible benefits for Filipinos.
New chapter
By strengthening this strategic relationship, both countries hope to contribute to lasting peace, regional stability, and prosperity in one of the world’s most geopolitically important regions.
This visit signals a new chapter in Philippines-India relations, driven by shared interests and the pursuit of common goals in a complex regional environment.
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