This is the first visit by the President of the Southeast Asian country to India since he assumed office three years ago. The visit is of significance as it aligns with the 75th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic ties between the two nations
Philippines President President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr with Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita in New Delhi. PIC/PTI
Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a five-day state visit to India, aimed at further strengthening the ties between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.
This is the first visit by the President of the Southeast Asian country to India since he assumed office three years ago. The visit is of significance as it aligns with the 75th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
In a post on social media platform X, MEA stated that President Marcos was welcomed by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.
"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 MEA post stated.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several cabinet ministers.
According to a statement by the MEA, during his visit, President Marcos will be holding talks with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda and other officials.
On Tuesday, President Marcos will lay a wreath at Rajghat. After that, he will hold talks with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House.
Several memoranda of understanding will be exchanged in the presence of the two leaders, who will also hand out press statements.
The Philippine President will then travel to Bengaluru and meet Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Ghelot.
According to MEA, President Marcos is visiting India following an invitation by PM Modi.
The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in November 1949. Both India and Philippines have since developed a strong partnership across a broad spectrum of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, maritime cooperation, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and digital technologies. The two countries also engage closely at the regional level, including through India's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The statement added that India's relations with the Philippines are an integral pillar of New Delhi’s 'Act East' Policy, Vision MAHASAGAR (Maritime Heads for Active Security and Growth for All in the Region) and our vision of the Indo-Pacific.
The visit will act as an opportunity for both leaders to set the path for future bilateral cooperation and to engage on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the MEA statement said.
India and the Philippines share warm and multifaceted bilateral relations rooted in historical ties and shared democratic values. Cooperation spans various sectors, including defence, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
(With ANI inputs)
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