Philippines President Marcos India visit: Historic Arrival & Diplomatic Agenda
Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in New Delhi on August 4, 2025, kicking off a five-day state visit to India—his first visit since taking office in 2022. This visit marks only the fifth by a Philippine president in nearly two decades and coincides with the 75th anniversary of Indo–Philippines diplomatic relations.
Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and key ministers, Marcos will engage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 5, followed by meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Later leg includes Bengaluru for business outreach and diaspora engagement.
Defence & Maritime Security: Strategic Reinforcement
A key highlight of the visit is deeper defence cooperation, building on India’s 2022 export of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system valued at $375 million. The Philippines was the first international buyer, and further defence procurements from India are now under discussion.
During the visit, the two nations conducted their first-ever joint naval sail in the South China Sea, using INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan alongside the Philippines’ BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Jose Rizal. While Chinese vessels reportedly shadowed the exercise, no confrontation occurred.
Trade, Investment & Economic Diplomacy
Bilateral trade reached approximately US$3.5 billion in FY 2023–24, with India’s export surplus ranging from pharmaceuticals to auto parts, steel, and rice. The Philippines exports semiconductors, copper, plastics, and animal feed. Indian firms are investing in Philippine IT, agriculture, and infrastructure, while Filipino investors explore Indian markets.
President Marcos will address Indian business leaders in Bengaluru and Delhi, aiming to attract investments in pharmaceuticals, startups, tourism, and technology.
Enhanced Connectivity & People-to-People Exchanges
The Philippines has introduced visa-free entry for Indian tourists for 14 days standard and 30 days for holders of valid foreign visas. Additionally, direct flights between the two countries are expected to resume by late 2025, further strengthening people-to-people ties.
President Marcos will meet with India’s Filipino diaspora in New Delhi to foster deeper cultural connectivity.
Regional Vision & Strategic Alignment
The state visit comes at a time of increased maritime tension in the South China Sea, where China’s expansive claims are contested. India and the Philippines reaffirmed adherence to UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, emphasizing a rules-based maritime order.
Defense dialogues also explored joint training, cybersecurity collaboration, humanitarian responses, and discussions on expanding the Quad-aligned “Squad” grouping to include India and the Philippines.
Timeline at a Glance
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug 4–8, 2025 | President Marcos’s full state visit across Delhi and Bengaluru |
| Aug 4 | Arrives in Delhi, meets diaspora in community event |
| Aug 5 | Bilateral meeting with PM Modi, President Murmu, EAM Jaishankar |
| Aug 5–6 | Business and economic events in Bengaluru |
| Aug 3–4 | Joint naval sail exercise begins in South China Sea, INS Shakti arrives in Manila |
Why This Visit Matters
- Reinforces India’s position as a key regional defence exporter and strategic partner.
- Marks deeper economic integration, especially in trade, pharma, and tech startups.
- Enhances maritime security collaboration, especially amid regional tensions.
- Demonstrates rising people-to-people and cultural exchange, with freer mobility and direct air links.
- Adds momentum to India’s Act East / Indo-Pacific vision, launching a natural partnership with Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
The Philippines President Marcos’ India visit is a pivotal moment of diplomatic synergy—strengthening defence ties, expanding trade, and reaffirming strategic alignment. From BrahMos deals to maritime drills and visa reforms, this five-day engagement marks a new chapter in Indo–Philippines ties, setting a firm foundation for mutual growth and regional stability.
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