 "Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. File Image/Reuters")
Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. began his five-day visit to India on Monday, during which he would conduct bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs, welcomed him upon his arrival in New Delhi.
“Mabuhay, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.! President@bongbongmarcoshas arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by MoS @PmargheritaBJP and accorded a warm welcome.
“India & Philippines are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. This visit will lead to further strengthening of India-Philippines relations,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
The MEA previously stated that this will be his first visit to the nation since taking office as President of the Republic of the Philippines.
Marcos is joined by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, as well as an entourage of senior Cabinet members, top bureaucrats, significant dignitaries, and business executives.
Also Read: Philippines President Marcos in India for 5-day visit: Why this visit is significant
On the first day of his visit, President Marcos is set to meet with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar later in the evening.
His travel to India will be from August 4 to 8, during which he would meet President Droupadi Murmu and conduct bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Modi.
Modi and Marcos are slated to conduct bilateral talks on August 5. The state visit by President Marcos coincides with the 75th anniversary of India-Philippines diplomatic ties.
The visit is an opportunity for both leaders to set the path for future bilateral cooperation and to engage on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the MEA said in a statement on July 31.
“He will be accompanied by First Lady Madame Louise Araneta Marcos, and a high-level delegation, including several Cabinet ministers, other dignitaries and senior officials, in addition to business representatives,” the MEA had said.
President Marcos will also visit Bengaluru before returning to the Philippines on August 8.
Diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines were established in November 1949.