President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. departed for New Delhi, India, on Friday evening to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, carrying a stated commitment to amplify the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ outlook on global issues, according to an official departure statement. At 7:50 p.m., the president departed from Villamor Air Base located in Pasay City, travelling alongside Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro, and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
Amplifying ASEAN Priorities at BRICS
During the summit, Marcos stated that he will carry ASEAN’s voice to the international gathering and help articulate perspectives shaped by the regional bloc’s current chairship priorities. According to the president’s departure remarks, these focus areas include peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment.
“In this role, I will carry Asean’s voice to the Summit and help amplify our Community’s perspectives on the issues of our time, guided by the priorities of our Chairship,” Marcos said in his statement.
The Philippine leader aims to engage the BRICS community—which includes four fellow ASEAN member states—on sustainable development, inclusive growth, regional resilience, food and energy security, and adherence to a rules-based international order. He also plans to call for fairer global governance, stronger disaster preparedness, responsible use of emerging technologies, climate action, and the peaceful settlement of disputes under international law, according to the official release.
Bilateral Engagement and Strategic Partnership With India
Beyond the summit plenary sessions, Marcos is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the presidential delegation, the two leaders will track bilateral progress across their Strategic Partnership and review implementation of the Five-Year Plan of Action for 2025–2029.
Did you know? India and the Philippines maintain active discussions regarding a proposed Preferential Trade Agreement alongside cooperation in defense, maritime security, health, pharmaceuticals, and digital connectivity.
The agenda for the bilateral talks also encompasses trade and investment, tourism, and direct air connectivity to strengthen people-to-people ties. Marcos noted that business and the economy remain primary pillars of bilateral relations, adding that he intends to invite Indian corporations to participate in Philippine infrastructure, digitalization, IT, pharmaceuticals, and logistics sectors.
Invitation to Manila
As part of ongoing diplomatic exchanges, Marcos stated that he will renew an invitation for Prime Minister Modi to visit Manila. The proposed visit would correspond with the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Summit scheduled for November, according to the official statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is President Marcos attending the BRICS Summit?
President Marcos is attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi to amplify ASEAN’s regional perspectives on global issues, advocate for developing economies, and discuss priorities such as food and energy security, climate action, and rules-based international order, according to his departure statement.
Who accompanied President Marcos to New Delhi?
Accompanying the president in the official party are Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro, and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
What bilateral topics are on the agenda with Prime Minister Modi?
Marcos and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the Five-Year Plan of Action for 2025–2029, defense and maritime cooperation, a proposed Preferential Trade Agreement, digital cooperation, and investments in infrastructure and IT sectors.
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