Did EAM Jaishankar Meet with Philippines President in New Delhi?
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Synopsis
EAM Jaishankar's meeting with Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr marks a significant moment in India-Philippines relations. With discussions set to deepen ties further, both nations celebrate their 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Explore how this visit paves the way for future cooperation on various fronts.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthening Bilateral Relations: EAM Jaishankar's meeting with President Marcos Jr emphasizes the commitment to deepen ties.
- 75th Anniversary Celebration: Both nations are celebrating a milestone in diplomatic relations.
- Focus on Future Cooperation: Discussions are expected to pave the way for enhanced collaboration across various sectors.
- Cultural and Economic Engagement: The visit highlights the significance of cultural and economic exchanges.
- Strategic Partnerships: India’s relationship with the Philippines is crucial for regional stability and growth.
New Delhi/Manila, Aug 4 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr in New Delhi on Monday. The EAM expressed his optimism that the discussions between the visiting leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday will greatly enhance the relationship between the two nations.
This meeting marks the beginning of the Philippines President's five-day State Visit to India, at the invitation of PM Modi.
In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "I am pleased to meet President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr of the Philippines this evening in Delhi at the start of his State Visit. I am confident that his discussions with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will significantly strengthen our bilateral partnership."
Earlier in the day, Union Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) Pabitra Margherita welcomed Ferdinand R Marcos Jr at the airport. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal offered a warm welcome to Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, mentioning that his visit will further fortify ties between India and the Philippines.
"Mabuhay, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr! President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has arrived in New Delhi on his inaugural State Visit to India. He was received by MoS Pabitra Margherita and given a warm welcome. India and the Philippines are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. This visit will further enhance India-Philippines relations," Jaiswal posted on X.
The Philippines President is accompanied by First Lady Madame Louise Araneta Marcos. He is set to receive a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday and will also pay respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
Ferdinand R Marcos Jr is scheduled to meet PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda on Tuesday. His itinerary includes other engagements in the capital on Wednesday and a trip to Bengaluru on Thursday before heading back to the Philippines.
Diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines were established in November 1949. Since then, both countries have cultivated a robust partnership across various sectors, including trade and investment, defense and security, maritime cooperation, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and digital technologies. The two nations also collaborate closely at the regional level through India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN.
"India’s relationship with the Philippines is a vital pillar of our ‘Act East’ Policy, Vision MAHASAGAR, and our vision of the Indo-Pacific. The upcoming State Visit of President Marcos coincides with the 75th anniversary of India-Philippines diplomatic relations. This visit allows both leaders to outline the future path for bilateral cooperation and engage on regional and international issues of mutual interest," the MEA stated.
PM Modi and President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr had a brief meeting on the sidelines of the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit in Laos in 2024. They also met at the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta in 2023. In 2017, PM Modi visited the Philippines for the 15th ASEAN-India Summit and the 12th East Asia Summit.
Economic and commercial engagement is a crucial aspect of India-Philippines bilateral relations. The bilateral trade between the two nations reached USD 3.5 billion in 2023-24. There is a significant presence of Indian companies in the Philippines, spanning sectors such as IT and ITES, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, textiles, infrastructure, FMCG, chemicals, automobiles, and agriculture.
India is the largest supplier of pharmaceuticals to the Philippines. Exports of pharmaceuticals from India to the Philippines rose from USD 290 million in 2020-21 to USD 460 million in 2024-25.
Development cooperation is another impactful facet of India-Philippines relations. India is executing six Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in areas such as agriculture, disaster risk reduction and management, healthcare, and livelihood support in the Philippines, under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Indian Grant Assistance for the implementation of QIPs, signed in February 2023.
Point of View
The meeting between EAM Jaishankar and President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr is a significant step toward reinforcing India-Philippines relations. With an emphasis on collaboration in various sectors, this visit reflects India's commitment to strengthening ties in the region and enhancing its influence in the Indo-Pacific.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of EAM Jaishankar's meeting with President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr?
The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral relations between India and the Philippines and to discuss future cooperation during the Philippines President's State Visit.
What anniversary are India and the Philippines celebrating?
India and the Philippines are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Who welcomed President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr at the airport?
Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, welcomed President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr at the airport.
What are some areas of cooperation between India and the Philippines?
The cooperation spans various sectors, including trade, defense, agriculture, healthcare, and digital technologies.
What is the significance of the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan?
The ceremonial reception symbolizes the importance of the Philippines President's visit and India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties.
