Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Embarks on Historic India Visit, Meets PM Modi

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has begun his highly anticipated state visit to India, where he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top officials. The visit is expected to strengthen economic and strategic ties between the two countries. President Marcos Jr. arrived in India on August 5, 2025, and was received by Indian officials at the airport. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. The Philippines President is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several cabinet members and business leaders. During his meeting with PM Modi, the two leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including trade, investment, defense, and security cooperation. The Philippines and India have been seeking to enhance their bilateral relations in recent years, with a focus on promoting economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. President Marcos Jr.’s visit is seen as a significant step forward in this direction. The two countries have already signed several agreements in areas such as defense, agriculture, and education. The Philippines is also seeking to attract Indian investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and tourism. India, on the other hand, is looking to expand its trade and economic ties with the Philippines, which is a key player in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. The visit is also expected to focus on regional and global issues, including the South China Sea dispute and the fight against terrorism. President Marcos Jr. has stated that his country is committed to working with India to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The Philippines and India have a long history of cultural and people-to-people exchanges, with many Indians living and working in the Philippines. The two countries have also been cooperating in areas such as science and technology, with several joint research projects and initiatives. The state visit is expected to last for several days, during which President Marcos Jr. will also meet with other Indian leaders, including the President of India and the External Affairs Minister. The visit is being seen as a major milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries, and is expected to have a significant impact on the future of Philippines-India ties. The Philippines is a key partner for India in the ASEAN region, and the visit is expected to further strengthen the relationship between the two nations. The two countries have already established a strategic partnership, which includes cooperation in areas such as defense, trade, and investment. The visit is also expected to focus on promoting tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Overall, President Marcos Jr.’s visit to India is a significant development in the bilateral relations between the two countries, and is expected to have a major impact on the future of Philippines-India ties.

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