Defense, tech on agenda in Marcos’ first-ever India state visit
MANILA, Philippines — Several key items are on the agenda for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first-ever visit to India, including discussions on expanding defense and business ties.
Speaking to the media on Friday, August 1, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Evangeline Jimenez-Ducrocq said there is strong potential in strengthening ties between India and the Philippines.
Marcos is set to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in the capital, New Delhi.
“In his bilateral meeting with PM Modi, the two leaders will discuss closer cooperation and economic, defense and security, political cooperation, trade, investment and economic cooperation, and how to further invigorate people-to-people exchanges. They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of common concern,” Ducrocq said.
Manila and New Delhi have been in growing talks in terms of defense.
Then Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo attended the 10th Raisina Dialogue in March where he spoke about maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
The Philippines and India are set to conduct joint maritime patrol exercises in the West Philippine Sea. The actual exercises will coincide with Marcos’ visit to India.
Manila also acquired three sets of the BrahMos missiles from India, a move seen as a deterrent against aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
“Part of our ongoing relationships with India is in maritime cooperation activities, so we look forward to expanding this … deepening our relationships and expanding our areas of cooperation,” Ducrocq said.
Asked if a Reciprocal Access Agreement was on the table, the Foreign Affairs exec said there are no talks yet of such deals for now.
New Delhi and Manila have a vital similarity: both are locked in a territorial row with Beijing.
Manila and Beijing have an ongoing dispute over the West Philippine Sea, with China claiming most of the waters, even those located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Meanwhile, New Delhi and Beijing also have a territorial dispute in several areas along their land borders.
During his state visit, Marcos will also go to Bangalore after New Delhi, which Ducrocq describes as the “Silicon Valley” of India.
Marcos is also scheduled to meet with several Indian CEOs, as a number of Indian companies have expressed interest in entering the Philippine market.
This state visit marks the first time a Philippine president will travel to India since 2007. Marcos’ trip comes amid growing calls to diversify the country’s trade partners following the imposition of 19% tariffs on Philippine goods by the United States.
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