New Delhi [India], August 5: In a move to deepen strategic ties, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday. The high-level talks focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across sectors, marking a significant moment in the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored the historical and civilizational ties binding the two countries. “India and the Philippines share close bonds based on civilizational, historical and people-to-people connections,” he posted on X.
Earlier in the day, President Marcos Jr received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi greeted him personally, and he was presented with a traditional Guard of Honour. This is Marcos’ first state visit to India since assuming office in 2022.
Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a delegation including senior cabinet ministers, Marcos’s visit comes at a time of growing geopolitical alignment between India and Southeast Asia, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The world now refers to what was once called the Asia-Pacific as the Indo-Pacific – a more accurate reflection of the region’s evolution,” Marcos said during a media address at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The visit is expected to lead to stronger cooperation in trade, maritime security, defence, and digital infrastructure, aligning with both nations’ interests in a free and open Indo-Pacific. Marcos will remain in India until August 8.