New Delhi, Aug 5 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly greeted Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, symbolizing a pivotal advancement in enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, shared on social media platform 'X', stating: “PM @narendramodi graciously welcomed President @bongbongmarcos of the Philippines at Hyderabad House. India and the Philippines enjoy robust ties based on cultural, historical, and interpersonal connections. Extensive discussions aimed at solidifying our enduring friendship and strong bilateral relations are planned.”

Earlier, President Marcos Jr received a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Speaking to the media post-ceremony, the visiting leader characterized his journey as a reaffirmation of the enhancing and evolving partnership between India and the Philippines.

“This visit reinforces the alliance and partnership that we are fortifying. The region was once termed the Asia-Pacific, now we refer to it as the Indo-Pacific — an evolution that accurately mirrors today’s global politics, trade, and economy,” President Marcos Jr remarked to reporters.

The President arrived in the Indian capital on Monday for a five-day State Visit, invited personally by Prime Minister Modi. This visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations established between India and the Philippines in November 1949.

Pabitra Margherita, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, welcomed President Marcos Jr at the airport.

MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal emphasized the importance of the visit, indicating it will significantly elevate the robust and strategic partnership between the nations.

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar also met with President Marcos Jr on Monday evening. He expressed on X, “Thrilled to meet President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr of the Philippines this evening in Delhi at the onset of his State Visit. I am confident that his discussions with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will substantially deepen our bilateral partnership.”

Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, President Marcos Jr is scheduled to engage with President Droupadi Murmu and Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda, among other essential engagements in the national capital.

After high-level meetings in New Delhi, President Marcos Jr plans to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Wednesday. He will then travel to Bengaluru on Thursday to explore India’s technological and innovation ecosystems before concluding his visit and returning to the Philippines.

India and the Philippines have fostered a multi-dimensional partnership over the years, covering areas such as trade and investment, defence and maritime security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, agriculture, and education.

The two nations also maintain robust collaboration on regional platforms, particularly through India's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN.

The MEA highlighted that relations with the Philippines are crucial to India’s ‘Act East’ policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.

“India’s relations with the Philippines are fundamental to our ‘Act East’ Policy, Vision MAHASAGAR, and our approach to the Indo-Pacific. This visit provides both leaders an opportunity to outline future cooperation and engage on regional and global issues of shared interest,” the MEA stated.

PM Modi and President Marcos Jr have interacted on numerous occasions at international summits.

They had brief discussions during the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit in Laos in 2024, as well as at the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta in 2023. PM Modi previously visited the Philippines in 2017 for the 15th ASEAN-India Summit and the 12th East Asia Summit.