President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. praised the Filipino community in India during a lively gathering at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi on Monday evening, as he announced the elevation of Philippine-India relations to a strategic partnership.
President Marcos, who is in India for a five-day state visit upon the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, described the trip as a significant milestone coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“Tomorrow (Tuesday), this relationship is going to receive a major boost,” President Marcos said, noting that the new strategic partnership will intensify cooperation in key areas such as defense, trade, investment, health, and tourism.
“There is still vast potential for mutual benefit between our two countries,” he added.
The event, which drew around 200 Filipinos from Delhi and surrounding areas, included a warm welcome from Philippine Ambassador Josel Ignacio and performances by members of the Filipino community.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joined President Marcos and his largest delegation of Cabinet secretaries and government officials to date, signifying the trip’s importance for the Philippines. Among those present were:
- Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro
- Finance Secretary Ralph Recto
- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel
- Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr.
- Trade Secretary Cristina Roque
- Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco
- Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Patricia Yvonne Cauna
- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla
- Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa
- Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez
- PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro
President Marcos emphasized the government’s commitment to Filipinos abroad, thanking the community for representing the Philippines with excellence and grace.
He acknowledged their contributions in fields such as information technology (IT), engineering, international development, and academia.
“You have made an excellent portrait of the Filipino to the rest of the world,” President Marcos said.
“Even across the vastness of India, you are cohesive and ready to support each other and our Embassy,” he added.
The President also announced that the Philippines and India will sign a Social Security Agreement during the visit, ensuring better protection for Filipino workers in India.
While there is no Migrant Workers Office in the country, he assured that the welfare of Filipinos is being addressed through the Embassy and Honorary Consulates.
Mr. Marcos highlighted key accomplishments of his administration, including a 5.4% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2025, expansion of rail networks, improved airport facilities, and new programs such as discounted transportation fares and OFW lounges.
He also noted efforts to boost tourism and connectivity, citing the launch of visa-free entry for Indian tourists in June and the expected resumption of direct flights between the two countries, starting with Air India.
“We are working towards generating more jobs back home by bringing in more Indian investments,” Mr. Marcos said.
