The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s upcoming state visit to India will focus on strengthening strategic and economic partnerships as the Philippines and India mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
“This visit is part of the continuing effort to proactively engage India and open up future opportunities,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Evangeline Ducrocq told reporters during a Palace press briefing.
Mr. Marcos is expected to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi.
He will also confer with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda. India’s BJP leads the National Democratic Alliance and is the country’s largest ruling political party.
In addition to official meetings, Marcos will headline business forums in both New Delhi and Bangalore, India’s tech hub. Several Indian firms are reportedly preparing to invest in the Philippine market, and Indian CEOs have requested one-on-one meetings with the President.
Ducrocq said the President’s bilateral meeting with Modi will cover a wide range of areas, including defense and security, trade and investment, science and technology, and political affairs. The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest.
While questions arose about whether the Philippines would pursue further defense agreements, particularly in light of its recent purchase of BrahMos missile systems and joint maritime patrols with India in the West Philippine Sea, Ducrocq declined to confirm any new military procurement talks.
“We defer this matter to the Department of National Defense,” Ducrocq said.
Asked about a possible Reciprocal Access Agreement similar to pacts with other defense partners, Ducrocq said there were currently “no talks on this matter.”
The Philippine delegation includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Teresa Lazaro, National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and other Cabinet members.
Marcos is expected to deliver a foreign policy address at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi and engage with Indian media.
In Bangalore, he will participate in additional business events before concluding the visit with a traditional “Kapihan” with Filipino reporters.
Upon arrival on August 4, the President will also meet with members of the Filipino community in New Delhi.
According to the DFA, there are 1,356 registered Filipinos in India, with about 200 expected to attend the event. Most are based in New Delhi and are involved in sectors such as health care, education, and technology.
“We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our kababayans in India and strengthening the bonds that unite our two peoples,” Ducrocq said.
