Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr began a significant five-day state visit to India on Monday, aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in defense and trade. This marks his first official trip to India since assuming office in 2022 and comes at a pivotal moment, as both nations celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
President Marcos is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation that includes cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and influential business leaders. The delegation’s arrival in New Delhi signals a growing strategic convergence between the two Indo-Pacific democracies, particularly in maritime security and defense.
A notable aspect of the evolving defense partnership is the Philippines’ historic procurement of India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, making it the first foreign nation to acquire the weapon. The initial batch of BrahMos missiles was delivered in April 2024, and discussions during this visit are expected to pave the way for enhanced defense cooperation, focusing especially on maritime capabilities.
On August 5, President Marcos is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will also meet President Droupadi Murmu and engage in discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. His itinerary includes a visit to Bengaluru before concluding his visit on August 8.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the Philippines is a vital partner in India’s Act East Policy, the MAHASAGAR maritime vision, and the broader Indo-Pacific strategic framework. Beyond current geopolitical priorities, the two nations share a deep-rooted historical connection. Linguistic and cultural exchanges dating back centuries are evidenced by Sanskrit influences in the Tagalog language and archaeological relics such as the Laguna Copperplate inscription and the Agusan Tara statue.
Diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines were officially established in November 1949. Since then, the partnership has evolved significantly, particularly following the launch of India’s Look East Policy in 1992, which later evolved into the Act East Policy. The two leaders have interacted previously at regional summits in Jakarta and Lao PDR, but this visit promises to solidify cooperation through high-level engagements and long-term defense agreements.
