PHILIPPINES-INDIA RELATIONS

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has returned to the Philippines following a five-day inaugural state visit to India, a trip he described as “productive.” Marcos arrived at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Friday night, expressing optimism that the elevated relationship between the two nations, now a strategic partnership, will contribute to regional peace and prosperity.

In his arrival message, the President noted that the new strategic partnership signifies a “new era” of “closer, multidimensional, and impactful engagement.” He emphasized the mutual recognition of shared interests in both bilateral and regional matters of critical importance.

The state visit yielded 18 business agreements, which Marcos said would generate real investments of USD146 million. These deals are also expected to create interest for a potential of up to USD5.8 billion. The agreements cover key sectors including digital infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and IT-BPM, with the potential to create over 4,000 direct jobs.

Marcos also highlighted agreements for digital upskilling, valued at USD11 million, that are projected to train approximately 26,120 Filipinos in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and cybersecurity by 2026.

During his meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials, several cooperation agreements were signed in areas such as judicial matters, space, science and technology, defense and security, culture, and tourism.

A notable development from the visit is Modi’s announcement that Filipinos can now apply for free tourist e-visas to India, a reciprocal move following the Philippines’ recent adoption of a 14-day visa-free entry for Indian tourists.

Marcos concluded his trip by meeting with the Filipino community in India, thanking them for their contributions to the Philippine economy and their role in promoting the country’s culture abroad.