🇮🇳🤝🇵🇭 President Marcos Jr Begins State Visit to India; Talks with PM Modi Expected to Deepen Bilateral Ties

New Delhi, August 5, 2025 — The President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, arrived in India on Monday for a five-day State Visit, marking a significant moment in India-Philippines relations. The visit comes as both nations celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, which began in November 1949. This milestone is being seen as a perfect opportunity to take the partnership to the next level — economically, strategically, and diplomatically. 🤝 Meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar On his arrival in Delhi, President Marcos Jr was warmly received by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who expressed confidence that this high-level visit would lead to stronger bilateral cooperation. “Delighted to call on President @bongbongmarcos of the Philippines this evening in Delhi at the start of his State Visit,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Confident that his talks with PM @narendramodi tomorrow will significantly deepen our bilateral partnership,” he added, sharing a photo from their meeting. 🇮🇳 Strategic Talks Scheduled with PM Modi President Marcos Jr is set to hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 5, with both leaders expected to discuss key areas of cooperation — including trade, maritime security, defense collaboration, technology, and regional stability. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized in a statement that the visit is an opportunity for both sides to set the course for future collaboration and engage on regional and global issues of mutual interest, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. 🚢 Joint Naval Exercise in South China Sea In a significant show of strategic alignment, India and the Philippines recently conducted a joint sail and naval drill in the disputed South China Sea — a move that highlights the countries’ shared commitment to freedom of navigation and international maritime law. 🌍 Shared Values & Future Prospects Last year, while commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Minister Jaishankar had highlighted the strong foundation of shared democratic values, pluralistic ethos, and economic complementarities that bind the two nations. “The friendship between India and the Philippines is truly an enduring one,” Jaishankar said, “and is now poised to move to a higher orbit.” He further reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to international law and global rules-based order, especially in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. 🔍 Why This Visit Matters: Celebrates 75 years of diplomatic relations Signals stronger defense and maritime cooperation in Indo-Pacific Boosts economic and technological collaboration Reinforces shared democratic values and international commitments As the world watches closely, this State Visit is expected to lay the groundwork for a robust, future-ready India-Philippines partnership.

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