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President Marcos said his state visit to India will focus on securing investments and partnerships in information technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and food security, as the Philippines seeks stronger ties with the world’s fourth-largest economy.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos wave to the crowd as they board Philippine Airlines PR001 at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. The President is headed to India for a five-day State Visit. (RTVM)
“I want this visit to bring concrete benefits to the people, such as more affordable medicine and greater connectivity and food security,” the President said in a departure speech at Villamor Air Base on Monday, Aug. 4. His plane took off at 10:44 a.m.
He said the Philippine delegation will explore a broad spectrum of shared interests: from defense, to trade, investment, health, pharmaceuticals, connectivity, agriculture, tourism, and many other areas.
Business delegation
The President will personally lead business meetings in New Delhi and Bangalore, targeting high-level engagements with Indian companies in the IT sector and other industries.
“I have with me several Cabinet Secretaries who will make certain that the vision of a close strategic relationship with India will turn into a reality as soon as possible,” he said.
“There are already Indian multinational companies that are operating in the Philippines in IT-BPM, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications industries, and many, many more other sectors,” he added.
According to Marcos, it was incumbent upon his administration “to maximize the opportunities in trade and investment with the world’s fourth-largest economy.”
He noted that India’s pharmaceutical industry could help address medicine affordability in the Philippines, while enhanced connectivity with Indian tech firms could support the country’s digital transformation goals.
The President also said he looked forward to “a productive visit and much closer Philippines-India relations,” describing India as a “long-valued friend” with which the Philippines shares democratic ideals and regional security interests.
Democratic values, maritime security
Marcos said India and the Philippines are natural partners because of shared democratic ideals, maritime concerns, and a common commitment to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
“With the Philippines being the oldest constitutional democracy in Asia, and India being our continent’s largest democracy, our two countries share several core interests,” he said.
“Our geostrategic position as coastal states… and our unwavering commitment to regional peace and cooperation serve as a credible foundation of our active and growing maritime cooperation,” he added.
The President also cited both countries’ strong support for international maritime law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and their shared interest in protecting seafarers and maintaining freedom of navigation.
Cultural ties
Marcos highlighted the historical and cultural connections between the two countries, noting Indian influence on the Philippine language and customs since pre-colonial times. He pointed out that the term “maharlika” (a class of freemen who were obligated to serve the Datu in battle in ancient Tagalog society) has Sanskrit roots.
Ahead of the visit, the Philippines granted visa-free privileges for Indian travelers, a move expected to boost tourism and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.
The visit marks the culmination of the 75th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations. He is expected to return to Manila on Aug. 8.
Snake caught
Meanwhile, staff at the Villamor Air Base worked on capturing a snake they found along the drainage just outside the Maharlika Hall, where President Marcos delivered his speech.
Philippine Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura said the incident was “not unusual” given the kind of weather that hit Metro Manila last month. However, it serves as a reminder for PAF to secure the area more.
“With the series of rain, which makes the environment here in this area damp and really conducive for like a python to be there, it’s not actually unusual, pero it’s preventable,” he said.
“It’s not a cause for concern, and we guarantee that we keep watch,” he added.
Cordura said the PAF officer who was bitten by the snake was administered an anti-tetanus shot because the snake was “not venomous.”
