On August 5, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu accorded a ceremonial welcome to H.E. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was received with a Guard of Honour and was warmly greeted by both President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi .
This occasion marks Marcos Jr.’s first official state visit to India since assuming office in 2022, covering August 4–8, 2025 . The ceremonial reception was a high‑profile start to his five‑day visit, underlining India’s intent to deepen bilateral ties.
The visit featured:
A full ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Follow-up high‑level talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House
Broader bilateral agenda focused on defence and strategic cooperation, trade, maritime collaboration, and a formal elevation of India‑Philippines relations to a Strategic Partnership .
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India (August 4–8, 2025) and the new India–Philippines Strategic Partnership launched during the visit:
🏛️ Key Highlights of the Visit & Strategic Partnership
State Visit Opens with Ceremony (Aug 5, 2025): Marcos Jr. received a full ceremonial welcome, Guard of Honour, and reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Murmu and PM Modi. He highlighted the evolution of Asia‑Pacific into the Indo‑Pacific context and spoke of deepening cooperation through emerging opportunities in technology and geopolitics .
Launch of Strategic Partnership: During high-level talks with Prime Minister Modi, both countries announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a formal Strategic Partnership. This paves the way for deeper cooperation across defense, trade, health, tourism, science & technology, and culture .
📜 Agreements and Defense Cooperation
BrahMos Missile & Defence Collaboration: India and the Philippines formalized defence cooperation under this partnership, including ongoing collaboration around the BrahMos supersonic missile system and discussions on purchasing additional systems from India .
Social Security Agreement: A new bilateral social security pact was signed to protect the rights of Filipino workers in India, ensuring better coverage and coordination. Marcos emphasised welfare concerns for overseas Filipinos during his community engagements in New Delhi .
Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA): Talks included a proposed PTA to boost investment and reduce trade barriers, with bilateral trade already exceeding $3 billion and plans to diversify sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, tourism, and technology .
🌊 Maritime & Strategic Coordination
First-ever Joint Naval Sail in the South China Sea: India and Philippines conducted a two-day maritime exercise in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Deployments included INS Delhi, INS Shakti, INS Kiltan alongside BRP José Rizal and BRP Miguel Malvar. Chinese vessels reportedly shadowed but no incidents occurred. This underscores a mutual commitment to maritime security under a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific .
Strategic Alignment: Both countries reiterated their shared interest in countering regional challenges and enhancing defence cooperation. The visit reflects India’s broader Act East policy and Manila’s strategy of securing regional partnerships amid rising tensions over the South China Sea .
🤝 Broader Engagements & Impact
Diaspora Engagement: President Marcos addressed a gathering of roughly 200 Filipinos in Delhi, thanking them for representing their nation and announcing welfare initiatives for Filipinos residing in India — aligned with the social security deal .
Economic & Tech Outreach: Marcos will travel to Bengaluru after New Delhi to engage Indian business leaders and explore tech partnerships. This includes opening opportunities for Indian investment in Philippine infrastructure, tourism, and agriculture .
Diplomatic Context: His visit marks the 75th anniversary of India–Philippines diplomatic relations, and sets the stage for more impactful bilateral engagements in multiple sectors .
✅ Summary Table of Key Agreements
Area Key Developments
Strategic Partnership Formal launch covering defence, trade, health, tourism, science & tech
Defence Cooperation BrahMos missile collaboration and future acquisitions
Social Security New agreement to protect Filipino workers in India
Trade Proposed Preferential Trade Agreement; bilateral trade over $3 billion
Maritime Security First joint naval sail in South China Sea
People-to-People Ties Visa-free entry (India‑Philippines), investments, cultural collaboration
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