President Marcos Jr. Begins First State Visit to India to Boost Philippines–India Strategic Partnership

New Delhi, August 3, 2025 

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is arriving in India today to begin a five-day state visit, marking a historic step toward deepening diplomatic and strategic ties between Manila and New Delhi. This is President Marcos’ first visit to India and his 36th foreign trip since assuming office in 2022.

The visit, held in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and India, is expected to significantly advance cooperation across key sectors, including defense, trade, science and technology, and cultural exchange. Visit follows the first joint maritime exercises between the two countries, which kicked off on Sunday, in waters near the South China Sea, a maritime flashpoint in the region with China.

Agenda and Strategic Goals

President Marcos’ itinerary will begin with a meeting with the Filipino community in New Delhi. Over the next few days, he is scheduled to participate in a series of high-level engagements, including bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian President Droupadi Murmu.

According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the visit underscores Manila’s intent to proactively engage India on shared economic and security concerns, as well as explore new avenues for collaboration. “The purpose of this visit is to further strengthen the Philippines–India partnership, to proactively engage India in all aspects of the relations and seize opportunities for greater security, economic, science and technology, and people-to-people cooperation,” said DFA Assistant Secretary Evangeline Jimenez-Ducrocq.

Six Agreements on the Table

During the state visit, both nations are expected to sign at least six bilateral agreements, covering areas such as law, culture, and scientific and technological cooperation. These accords will serve as foundations for deeper institutional and people-driven engagements.

The two leaders will also discuss broader regional and global issues of mutual interest, reinforcing shared values around democratic governance, maritime security, and economic resilience in the Indo-Pacific.

Marcos' visit follows the first joint maritime exercises between the two countries, which kicked off on Sunday, in waters near the South China Sea, a maritime flashpoint in the region with China.

Engaging India’s Innovation Ecosystem

Following the official engagements in New Delhi, President Marcos will travel to Bangalore, often dubbed India’s “Silicon Valley,” to take part in business forums aimed at drawing Indian investment into the Philippines’ emerging tech and innovation sectors.

The DFA confirmed that several top Indian business leaders have expressed interest in meeting the President, with some firms actively exploring market entry into the Philippines.

President Marcos is expected to deliver a major foreign policy address at the Observer Research Foundation, a leading Indian think tank, outlining Manila’s strategic vision in a shifting regional order.

High-Level Delegation

The President is accompanied by a high-level delegation including:

• Foreign Affairs Secretary Teresa Lazaro

• Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

• Trade Secretary Cristina Roque

• Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go

  
  

A Milestone Visit

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has described the visit as a critical opportunity to “set the path for future bilateral cooperation.” It reflects both nations' growing recognition of each other as vital partners in an increasingly interconnected Indo-Pacific region.

As President Marcos continues his engagements, expectations are high that this landmark visit will usher in a new era of mutual growth, trust, and shared prosperity between the Philippines and India.