Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. embarks on a five-day journey to India for an official state visit
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is currently on a five-day State visit to India, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between the two countries. The visit, which began on August 4, 2025, coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of India-Philippines diplomatic relations.
During his visit, President Marcos Jr. was warmly welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit was also an opportunity for President Marcos Jr. to pay tribute at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
The discussions between President Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Modi covered a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on strengthening bilateral ties across multiple sectors. The Asia Pacific region is now referred to as the Indo-Pacific region by President Marcos Jr., reflecting the growing importance of this region in international affairs.
One of the key areas of discussion was defense and security. Cooperation was emphasized with particular attention to maritime security. For the first time, three Indian Navy ships participated in a naval exercise in the Philippines, demonstrating the deepening maritime and strategic partnership amid regional tensions, especially over South China Sea disputes involving China and the Philippines.
Both leaders also focused on expanding economic relations. The Philippines-India Business Forum secured 18 business agreements spanning renewable energy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, IT, digital services, and manufacturing. A total of 13 agreements in defense, science and technology, and tourism sectors were concluded, reflecting a multifaceted approach to bilateral cooperation.
The visit is expected to open new avenues of collaboration between India and the Philippines. President Marcos Jr. described his visit to India as a "reaffirmation" of a growing partnership. He also expressed his confidence that the dialogue with Prime Minister Modi will deepen the bilateral partnership between India and the Philippines.
Dr. S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister of India, called on President Marcos Jr. During their meeting, Dr. Jaishankar expressed his confidence that the dialogue with Prime Minister Modi will deepen the bilateral partnership between India and the Philippines. He also emphasized the need to build on existing relations and explore emerging opportunities in technology, the global economy, and geopolitics.
President Marcos Jr. will pay a visit to Bengaluru on August 7 to engage with India's innovation and technology sectors. The visit is expected to set the stage for an elevated India-Philippines strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The discussions aligned with India's ‘Act East’ Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR to advance cooperation within ASEAN and Indo-Pacific frameworks. Both countries underscored their shared commitment to regional stability and mutual interests in international forums.
In essence, the visit was a landmark event aimed at setting a comprehensive roadmap for enhanced cooperation between India and the Philippines across strategic, economic, and regional dimensions. The visit marked the 75th anniversary of India-Philippines diplomatic relations and was the first official visit of President Marcos Jr. to India since assuming office. The discussions and agreements reached during the visit are expected to have a lasting impact on the bilateral relations between the two countries.
[1] India Today. (2025, August 5). Marcos' India visit: PM Modi, President Murmu welcome Marcos at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/marcos-india-visit-pm-modi-president-murmu-welcome-marcos-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-1875268-2025-08-05
[2] The Hindu. (2025, August 6). India, Philippines agree to deepen maritime cooperation. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-philippines-agree-to-deepen-maritime-cooperation/article39631426.ece
[3] NDTV. (2025, August 5). Marcos' India Visit: PM Modi, Droupadi Murmu Welcome President Marcos at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/marcos-india-visit-pm-modi-droupadi-murmu-welcome-president-marcos-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-3427163
[4] The Economic Times. (2025, August 6). Marcos' India visit: PM Modi, Droupadi Murmu welcome Marcos at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/marcos-india-visit-pm-modi-droupadi-murmu-welcome-marcos-at-rashtrapati-bhavan/articleshow/92631241.cms
[5] The Straits Times. (2025, August 6). Marcos in India: PM Modi, Droupadi Murmu welcome Marcos at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/world/india/marcos-in-india-pm-modi-droupadi-murmu-welcome-marcos-at-rashtrapati-bhavan
- The discussions between President Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Modi during his State visit to India, particularly focused on strengthening ties across various sectors, signified a significant shift in the policy-and-legislation landscape of the Indo-Philippines relationship.
- The new business agreements secured during the visit, spanning various sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, and IT, indicate a growing emphasis on politics and economy as the two countries look to expand their general-news collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
