MARCOS IN INDIA
Marcos Jr. meets with Filipino community in New Delhi at start of state visit to India
NEW DELHI – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with members of the Filipino community in New Delhi on Monday, marking the beginning of his five-day state visit to India. The meeting took place at the Taj Mahal Hotel shortly after his arrival.
During the event, President Marcos stated that engaging with the Filipino community is a priority during his foreign trips. He emphasized that the primary goal of these visits is to improve the welfare of Filipinos both at home and abroad.
The President acknowledged the contributions of Filipinos in various sectors in India, including international organizations, information technology, and academia. He described them as “ambassadors” for the Philippines and praised their support for the country.
Marcos also highlighted recent developments aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations, such as the implementation of visa-free entry for Indian tourists to the Philippines and ongoing efforts to establish direct flights.
Marcos and his wife arrived in New Delhi on Monday at 2:20 p.m. local time (4:50 p.m. in Manila) to begin a five-day State Visit to India.
The visit, which runs from August 4 to 8, is at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and commemorates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and India. Marcos is scheduled to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as engage in business meetings in both New Delhi and Bengaluru.
Marcos is accompanied by members of his Cabinet and a business delegation. This visit is expected to strengthen cooperation in several key areas, including maritime security, defense, trade and investment, health, digital innovation, agriculture, and tourism. The goal is to encourage Indian companies to invest more in the Philippine economy and to finalize new agreements that will enhance the partnership between the two countries.
Marcos and his wife were welcomed at the Palam Air Force Station by Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F. Ignacio, among other officials.
