EAM Jaishankar calls on Philippines President in New Delhi

August 4, 2025

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar met with Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in New Delhi on Monday, expressing optimism that the latter’s discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday will further elevate the India-Philippines strategic partnership.

This meeting marks the beginning of President Marcos Jr’s five-day State Visit to India, undertaken at the invitation of PM Modi.

Warm Welcome Marks Start of State Visit

President Marcos Jr was warmly received at the airport by Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X, welcomed the leader with the message:
“Mabuhay, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.! This visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and will strengthen India-Philippines relations.”

The President is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos. His official itinerary includes a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and a tribute at Rajghat on Tuesday. He will also meet President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi, and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, before heading to Bengaluru later in the week.

Strategic and Economic Ties Take Centre Stage

India and the Philippines established diplomatic relations in November 1949 and have since cultivated a strong partnership across sectors such as trade, defence, maritime cooperation, digital tech, and pharmaceuticals. The two countries also engage closely within the ASEAN framework and the broader Indo-Pacific through India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.

Bilateral trade reached USD 3.5 billion in 2023–24, with India emerging as the largest pharmaceutical exporter to the Philippines. Pharma exports rose significantly from USD 290 million in 2020–21 to USD 460 million in 2024–25.

Development and Regional Cooperation in Focus

India is currently implementing six Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the Philippines under the MoU on Indian Grant Assistance signed in 2023. These initiatives cover agriculture, healthcare, disaster risk management, and livelihood support.

President Marcos Jr’s visit provides an opportunity for both nations to shape the future roadmap of their partnership and hold wide-ranging talks on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Their last interaction was at the 2024 ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits in Laos, following previous meetings in Jakarta (2023) and Manila (2017).