New Delhi: Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is on a visit to India from August 4 to 8. On Tuesday, he will meet President Murmu and hold bilateral talks with PM Modi. President Marcos arrived in New Delhi on Monday at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. The discussions between President Marcos and PM Modi on Tuesday are expected to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

President Marcos is accompanied by his wife, First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos. On Tuesday, he will receive a formal welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He will also meet President Droupadi Murmu and Health Minister J.P. Nadda. On Wednesday, he will attend other programs in Delhi before traveling to Bangalore on Thursday, after which he will return to the Philippines.

Following the meeting, a statement was released: « It was a pleasure to meet President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines at the start of his state visit to Delhi. The discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow will deepen our bilateral partnership. »

Earlier, a delegation welcomed President Marcos at the airport. The arrival was celebrated as a step toward strengthening India-Philippines relations, with both nations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year. This visit is expected to elevate bilateral relations to new heights.

Why is the India-Philippines Friendship Important?

Diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines were established in November 1949. Since then, cooperation has grown in trade, investment, defense, maritime collaboration, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and digital technology. Both nations have also strengthened their partnership in regional forums, particularly under the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

A statement noted: « India-Philippines relations are a key pillar of our ‘Act East’ policy, ‘SAGAR’ vision, and Indo-Pacific strategy. President Marcos’ state visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, providing an opportunity for leaders to chart future cooperation and discuss regional and global issues. »

PM Modi and President Marcos last met in 2024 at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and 19th East Asia Summit in Laos. They also met in Jakarta in 2023 at the 20th ASEAN-India Summit. PM Modi visited the Philippines in 201

Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan, located in New Delhi, India, is the official residence of the President of India. Designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, it was completed in 1929 as the Viceroy’s House during British rule. The grand building, blending Indian and Western architectural styles, symbolizes India’s democratic heritage and colonial past.

Rajghat

Rajghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, located in Delhi, India, marking the spot where he was cremated after his assassination in 1948. The simple black marble platform sits in a peaceful park and bears the epitaph « Hey Ram, » said to be Gandhi’s last words. It serves as a place of reflection and tribute to the leader of India’s independence movement.

New Delhi

New Delhi, the capital of India, was officially inaugurated in 1931 as the new seat of the British Raj, replacing Kolkata (Calcutta). Designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, it features grand colonial-era buildings, wide boulevards, and landmarks like India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Palace). Today, it serves as India’s political and cultural hub, blending historic architecture with modern urban life.

Delhi

Delhi, India’s capital, is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage dating back over 2,000 years. It has served as the seat of several empires, including the Mughals and the British, leaving behind iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and India Gate. Today, Delhi is a vibrant metropolis blending ancient traditions with modernity.

Bangalore

Bangalore, now officially known as Bengaluru, is the capital of Karnataka, India, and a major tech hub often called the « Silicon Valley of India. » Founded in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda I, it became a prominent city under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan before British rule. Today, it blends modernity with historic landmarks like the Bangalore Palace and Lalbagh Botanical Garden.

India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

The **India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership** is a diplomatic and economic collaboration established in 2022, upgrading their previous relationship to deepen engagement in trade, security, and cultural exchange. Rooted in India’s « Look East Policy » (1990s) and later « Act East Policy, » it reflects over three decades of growing ties, with ASEAN as a key partner in regional stability and prosperity. The partnership focuses on connectivity, digital innovation, and sustainable development, strengthening India’s role in the Indo-Pacific alongside Southeast Asian nations.

Act East

« Act East » refers to India’s foreign policy initiative, launched in 2014, to strengthen economic and strategic ties with East and Southeast Asia. It builds on the earlier « Look East » policy (1991) but emphasizes deeper engagement, infrastructure development, and regional partnerships, particularly with ASEAN countries. The policy aims to enhance trade, connectivity, and cultural exchanges, positioning India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region.

SAGAR

Sagar, also known as Sagara, is a historic city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, renowned for its cultural heritage and natural beauty. It was established in 1660 by Udan Shah of the Gond dynasty and later became an important administrative center under the British Raj. The city is home to landmarks like the Sagar Lake, numerous temples, and the University of Saugor, reflecting its blend of historical and educational significance.