Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr arrived in New Delhi on August 4 for his first state visit to India. This visit aimed at deepening cooperation across defence, trade, and cultural sectors as the two nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation of Cabinet ministers, top officials, and business leaders, Marcos was welcomed by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X:
“Mabuhay, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.! President Bongbong Marcos has arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by MoS Pabitra Margherita and accorded a warm welcome. India & the Philippines are celebrating 75th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties. This visit will lead to further strengthening of India-Philippines relations.”
The visit, lasting from August 4–8, is the first by a Filipino head of state to India since Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s trip in 2007.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Marcos shortly after his arrival.
Sharing a photo of their meeting on X, Jaishankar wrote:
“Delighted to call on President @bongbongmarcos of the Philippines this evening in Delhi at the start of his State Visit. Confident that his talks with PM @narendramodi tomorrow will significantly deepen our bilateral partnership.”
On August 5, Marcos will hold in-depth bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on defence, maritime security, and economic cooperation. He will also meet President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss regional security and economic partnerships.
According to the Philippine Communications Office (PCO), the itinerary extends beyond Delhi:
“After official meetings and events in New Delhi, the President and his delegation will travel to Bangalore. He will meet with the business sectors in both cities,” it stated.
Why This Visit is Significant
The state visit of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is strategically important for several reasons:
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75 Years of Diplomatic Ties:
The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of India-Philippines diplomatic relations, underscoring the historical depth of their ties rooted in shared democratic values and regional cooperation. -
First Presidential Visit in 18 Years:
Marcos Jr’s trip marks the first visit by a Filipino head of state to India since Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2007, signaling renewed momentum in high-level engagement. -
Strategic and Defence Cooperation:
The Philippines has emerged as a key partner for India in the Indo-Pacific. Both nations share concerns over regional maritime security and the South China Sea, aligning their strategic outlooks to counterbalance regional assertiveness. -
Economic and Trade Potential:
Marcos’ Bengaluru leg emphasizes investment and technology partnerships. It reflects Manila’s intent to tap into India’s growing economic clout, particularly in IT, defence manufacturing, and startups. -
Expanding Regional Partnerships:
For India, deepening ties with the Philippines fits within its broader “Act East” policy, strengthening its position in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific.
India and the Philippines share “warm and multifaceted bilateral relations rooted in historical ties and shared democratic values,” according to an MEA statement. With this visit, both nations are poised to significantly advance cooperation in defence, trade, and cultural exchange.
