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Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. to Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took to social media platform ‘X,’ posting: “PM @narendramodi warmly welcomed President @bongbongmarcos of the Philippines at Hyderabad House. India and the Philippines share close bonds based on civilisational, historical and people-to-people connections. Comprehensive discussions aimed at further cementing our enduring friendship and strong bilateral relations lie ahead.”
Earlier in the day, President Marcos Jr was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Addressing the media after the ceremonial reception, the visiting leader described his trip as a reaffirmation of the growing and evolving partnership between India and the Philippines.
“This visit is a reaffirmation of the alliance and partnership that we are strengthening. We used to be referred to as the Asia-Pacific region, now we are referred to as the Indo-Pacific region — which is a more accurate evolution, reflecting the global nature of today’s politics, trade, and economy,” President Marcos Jr told reporters.
The Philippine President arrived in the Indian capital on Monday for a five-day State Visit at Prime Minister Modi’s invitation. His visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and the Philippines, which were established in November 1949.
Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, met President Marcos Jr. at the airport.
MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal emphasized the importance of the visit, stating that it would bolster the two countries’ strong and strategic alliance.
Dr S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, also met on President Marcos Jr. on Monday evening.
In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Delighted to call on President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr of the Philippines this evening in Delhi at the start of his State Visit. Confident that his talks with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will significantly deepen our bilateral partnership.”
The Philippines’ President is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos. During his visit, he plans to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda, among other important engagements in the national capital.
After his high-level discussions in New Delhi, President Marcos Jr. will pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Wednesday. He will then fly to Bengaluru on Thursday to see India’s technology and innovation ecosystems, before returning to the Philippines.
Over the years, India and the Philippines have developed a multifaceted alliance, with collaboration ranging from commerce and investment to defense and marine security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, agriculture, and education.
Both countries also retain close ties on regional levels, particularly through India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN.
The MEA emphasized that relations with the Philippines are an important part of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific strategy.
“India’s relations with the Philippines are an integral pillar of our ‘Act East’ Policy, Vision MAHASAGAR, and our approach to the Indo-Pacific. This visit is an opportunity for both leaders to chart the course of future cooperation and to engage on regional and global issues of mutual concern,” the MEA said in a statement.
The two leaders — PM Modi and President Marcos Jr — have met on multiple occasions at global summits.
They spoke briefly at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit in Laos in 2024, as well as the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta in 2023. PM Modi previously visited the Philippines in 2017 for the 15th ASEAN-India Summit and the 12th East Asia Summit.
Source: IANS
