Delhi, 4 August (H.S.): Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a five-day state visit to India, marking his first trip since taking office in 2022 and coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He was received warmly by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.

Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, President Marcos will conduct talks with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other officials.

On August 5, he will lay a wreath at Rajghat and subsequently hold discussions with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House, followed by exchanges of Memoranda of Understanding and press statements. He will later meet Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda and then President Murmu before traveling to Bengaluru to engage with Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Ghelot.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in November 1949, India and the Philippines have cultivated a robust partnership encompassing trade, defense, maritime cooperation, and digital technologies. The relationship is integral to India’s 'Act East' Policy and its vision for the Indo-Pacific. This visit is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation and address regional and international challenges of mutual interest.

The nations share a multifaceted relationship grounded in historical ties and democratic ideals, with ongoing collaboration across various sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and cultural exchange.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar