logo
Philippine's President Marcos arrives in New Delhi for first state visit

Philippine's President Marcos arrives in New Delhi for first state visit

The Print3 days ago
According to a post on X by the MEA, Marcos was welcomed with a warm reception by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita.
This is the first visit by the President of the Southeast Asian country to India since he assumed office back in 2022, marking a significant milestone, as his visit aligns with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
New Delhi: Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr arrived in the national capital on Monday for a five-day state visit to India, aimed at further strengthening the India-Philippines relationship, the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
'Mabuhay, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.! President Bongbong Marcos has arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by MoS Pabitra Margherita and accorded a warm welcome. India & the Philippines are celebrating 75th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties. This visit will lead to further strengthening of India-Philippines relations,' the MEA stated on X.
He was accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation including several Ministers from his Cabinet.
According to a statement by the MEA, during his visit, President Marcos will be holding talks with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other officials.
He will also be meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
On August 5, he will lay a wreath at Rajghat, and following that, he will hold talks with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House.
Exchange of Memoranda of Understanding and Press Statements will take place thereafter.
The Philippine President will then meet Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda and thereafter President Droupadi Murmu.
He will then travel to Bengaluru and meet Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Ghelot. His visit came following an invitation by PM Modi, an MEA statement stated on Thursday.
Diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines were established in November 1949. Both countries have since developed a strong partnership across a broad spectrum of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, maritime cooperation, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and digital technologies. The two countries also engage closely at the regional level, including through India's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN.
The statement added that India's relations with the Philippines are an integral pillar of our 'Act East' Policy, Vision MAHASAGAR and our vision of the Indo-Pacific.
The visit will act as an opportunity for both leaders to set the path for future bilateral cooperation and to engage on regional and international issues of mutual interest, as per the statement.
India and the Philippines share warm and multifaceted bilateral relations rooted in historical ties and shared democratic values. Cooperation spans various sectors, including defence, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. (ANI)
This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Also Read: Marcos Jr to be 5th Philippines president to visit India. Delhi-Manila diplomatic ties date back to 1949
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Philippines, India envisage deeper ties amid global uncertainty
Philippines, India envisage deeper ties amid global uncertainty

First Post

time8 minutes ago

  • First Post

Philippines, India envisage deeper ties amid global uncertainty

Marking 75 years of ties, India and the Philippines seize the moment to align strategic priorities, boost defence and maritime cooperation, and deepen regional and global coordination read more Philippine President Marcos Jr's visit to India from August 4 to 8 was encouraged by the India-Asean Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Drawing strength and inspiration from this broader engagement, the visit elevated India-Philippines bilateral ties to the level of a strategic partnership. India's partnership with the Philippines has emerged as a strategic pillar of the 'Act East' policy, Vision Mahasagar, and India's broader Indo-Pacific engagement. As the two countries commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations, this juncture presents a timely opportunity to align their strategic priorities, expand defence and maritime cooperation, and enhance coordination on regional and global issues of mutual concern. With the Philippines set to assume the Asean Chairmanship next year, the partnership acquires added geopolitical relevance, offering scope for closer collaboration in shaping an inclusive, rules-based regional order. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There have been four presidential-level visits from the Philippines to India — President Ferdinand E Marcos in 1976 (stopover visit); Presidents Fidel Ramos in 1997; Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2007; and Rodrigo Duterte in January 2018. From India, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited the Philippines in 1981, President R Venkatraman in 1991, President Abdul Kalam in 2006, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2007, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017, and President Ram Nath Kovind in 2019. The intervals among the visits have been eloquent. The Philippines is among the original five founding countries of Asean. It was among the most closely aligned to the US. This had kept it at a distance from India. Physically also, it is also the furthest of the Asean countries from India. However, as the Indo-Pacific concept has emerged, it has brought India and the Philippines together due to their shared perceptions of the Indo-Pacific. On his arrival in India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Marcos said that the transition from the Asia-Pacific concept to the Indo-Pacific has guided the Philippines' engagement with India. There is also growing momentum from the Philippines to collaborate with India on a South-South cooperation model, particularly in development and capacity building. India's development partnership, proven in several Global South countries, is now gaining traction in the Philippines. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme has expanded, with more training modules and quick-implementation projects now being deployed. These initiatives, commonly used in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), are being adapted to forge a deeper India-Philippines partnership. Quick-impact projects, each valued at $50,000, are currently being implemented in agriculture, disaster management, healthcare, and livelihood support. The Indian diaspora in the Philippines, numbering over 70,000, is concentrated in major cities and includes a growing number of professionals in Indian and multinational firms. Additionally, nearly 10,000 Indian students are pursuing studies in the Philippines, especially in medical and technical fields. In contrast, there were only 36 Filipino students in India as per the 2022 Aishe survey. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Philippines will now become the ninth Asean member state to enjoy direct flight connectivity with India. Besides raising tourism facilitated by visa-free offers, this development could positively impact India's image in the Philippines. According to the 2025 State of Southeast Asia Survey, Indian education and tourism are not yet viewed as major draws in the Philippines. Improved connectivity can help change this perception. Although trade and investment have traditionally formed the bedrock of India's engagement with Asean, economic ties with the Philippines have remained relatively modest. Among the 10 Asean member states, the Philippines ranks sixth in trade volume with India. In 2023–24, bilateral trade stood at $3.5 billion, with Indian exports valued at approximately $2 billion and imports from the Philippines totalling around $1.5 billion. Pharmaceuticals from India account for 16 per cent of the Philippines' total pharmaceutical imports. Meanwhile, the Philippines exports semiconductors, ores, electrical machinery, and plastics to India. Opportunities exist to expand bilateral trade further through regional value chains, especially involving Japanese and Australian firms operating in the Philippines. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Seafarers are a commonality between India and the Philippines and another contributor to maritime security. The Philippines has the largest number of seafarers, and India is in the top three. This provides a basis for closer collaboration for their security and welfare. President Marcos thanked India for the rescue of their seamen during a Houthi rebel attack in 2024 in the Gulf of Aden. The State of Southeast Asia Survey 2025 has interesting features regarding popular opinion in the Philippines. India is not considered a strategic player in their perception. India is ranked 9 out of 10 dialogue partners of Asean in the opinion of Filipinos. Yet when it comes to trust, China is ranked poorly in the Filipino mind, with 69 per cent having little or no confidence. Yet 36 per cent of Filipinos are confident that India will 'do the right thing' to contribute to global peace, security, prosperity, and governance. Trust levels of India among Filipino respondents to the survey have risen from about 20 per cent in 2024 to 40 per cent in 2025. These statistics have a tale to tell on how India and the Philippines can organise and institutionalise their partnership based on trust and mutuality of interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As aforesaid, the Philippines will chair Asean in 2026, ensuring a visit by PM Modi for the Asean and East Asia Summit in Manila. Every Asean Chair has created a new initiative in recent years. In 2023, Indonesia held the Asean Indo-Pacific Forum. In 2025, Malaysia held the Asean-GCC-China trilateral. India should work with the Philippines as Asean Chair to create an interaction that brings the stature of India ahead. Perhaps an Asean-Quad Forum? The writer is the author of 'The Mango Flavour: India & Asean after 10 Years of the AEP'. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.

Is India facing the highest tariffs? How do other countries fare?
Is India facing the highest tariffs? How do other countries fare?

First Post

time8 minutes ago

  • First Post

Is India facing the highest tariffs? How do other countries fare?

Trump's punishing new tariffs on more than 90 countries have snapped into place, marking a new global trade order. Among the countries listed is India, which has been slapped with a 25 per cent levy along with another 25 per cent penalty for purchasing Russian oil. This puts India on the same level as Brazil — both with 50 per cent tariffs, followed by war-torn Syria (41 per cent) read more With the newly announced 25 per cent additional tariff on imports, India has now joined Brazil at the top of the list of countries facing the highest import taxes under President Trump's adjusted tariff regime. File image/AP After several false starts, a new trade order is now in effect, courtesy Donald Trump's new tariffs. 'It's midnight! Billions of dollars in tariffs are now flowing into the United States of America!,' the US president said on social media minutes before the midnight deadline in Washington, DC. On Thursday (August 7), Trump's reciprocal tariffs, which he announced a week ago, snapped into place. Few of America's major trading partners have been spared under Trump's updated slate of duties, which together have sent the average effective US tariff rate to its highest level in nearly a century. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among those hit by the new tariffs is India, which has been slapped with a 25 per cent levy. However, that's not it. Trump, on Wednesday (August 6) also announced another 25 per cent tariff on India as punishment for its continued purchase of Russian oil. This takes India combined levies to 50 per cent — putting it at par with Brazil, followed by Syria. Catch all the live updates on here Trump's tariffs on India As part of the executive order that Trump signed last week, India's tariff was increased to 25 per cent. Then on Wednesday, he ramped up the tariff rate by levying another 25 per cent as punishment for purchasing Russian oil. According to the executive order, the 25 per cent tariff for buying Russian oil will come into effect 21 days later, on August 27. Earlier in the week, Trump had threatened India with the new tariffs, saying they were helping Russia wage war in Ukraine. 'India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the open market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine,' he wrote on social media. However, in its defence, India said Delhi had already made clear its stance on imports from Russia, and reiterated that the tariff is 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable'. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, 'It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest. 'India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi also issued a strong reaction to the tariffs imposed by Trump, saying, 'The interest of farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. And I know that I will have to pay a huge price for this personally, but I am ready. India is ready, for the sake of the country's farmers, fishermen and livestock holders.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cargo containers line a shipping terminal at the Port of Oakland as Trump's new tariffs for over 90 countries come into effect. AP Trump tariffs on other countries But India isn't the only nation that has been slapped with tariffs. More than 90 countries have been slapped with varying degrees of tariffs — ranging from 10 per cent to as high as 41 per cent. Before Thursday, virtually every country's goods were subject to a minimum 10 per cent tariff. Now rates vary substantially from country to country. The highest rates imposed are on goods from Brazil (50 per cent), Laos (40 per cent), Myanmar (40 per cent), Switzerland (39 per cent), Iraq (35 per cent) and Serbia (35 per cent). An additional 21 countries also face levies greater than 15 per cent. This includes several countries the US relies heavily on for a variety of goods, such as Vietnam (20 per cent), Taiwan (20 per cent) and Thailand (19 per cent). According to the list published by the White House last week, members of the European Union will be subjected to a 15 per cent tariff. Last week, Trump also boosted the tariff rate on Canada from 25 per cent to 35 per cent, saying the country had 'failed to cooperate' in curbing the flow of fentanyl and other drugs across the US border. The Canadian government says it is cracking down on drug gangs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But most Canadian exports to the US will dodge the import tax due to an existing trade treaty — the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Notably, India's tariffs are among the highest among the Asian countries. Its neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have been subjected to levies ranging from 20 per cent to 15 per cent. Status of trade deals Trump's new tariffs come into effect even as countries continue to negotiate with the Trump administration on trade deals. Countries like the UK, Japan and South Korea have already reached agreements to get lower tariffs than Trump threatened in April. Meanwhile other countries are still trying to negotiate deals. For instance, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Economy Minister Guy Parmelin were in Washington on Wednesday to negotiate a deal. However, they failed to convince the US government on the 39 per cent tariffs on Swiss goods. China, too, is in the midst of negotiating a trade deal with the US with an August 12 deadline looming over them. India is also trying to negotiate a trade deal with the United States. The last talks between the two delegations was in mid-July but no breakthrough could be achieved. The next set of talks is reportedly scheduled for the second half of August. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, it remains to be seen if the sixth round of talks bear any fruit for New Delhi. With inputs from agencies

CM remembers Swaraj, plants sapling in tribute
CM remembers Swaraj, plants sapling in tribute

Hans India

time8 minutes ago

  • Hans India

CM remembers Swaraj, plants sapling in tribute

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday planted a sapling in memory of Former External Affairs Minister, late Sushma Swaraj, at Silver Oak Park in Jangpura. Swaraj was the first woman chief minister of Delhi. Her daughter and New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj was also present on the occasion. Gupta said Swaraj was filled with motherly love and guided her when she became a councillor of MCD for the first time. She said in a post on X, 'As the Chief Minister of Delhi, she (Swaraj) focused on public issues and made untiring efforts to solve them. Guided by her dedicated work style in public service, the BJP government in Delhi is also working with commitment towards public welfare.' 'Sushma Didi's contribution to Indian politics and society will always remain unforgettable,' she added. As a foreign minister, Swaraj accomplished the unprecedented feat of connecting the foreign minis-try with citizens, the chief minister said. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar shared a picture alongside with the late Sushma Swaraj, writing: 'Remembering Sushma Swaraj ji on her Punya Tithi. Her warm and inspiring pres-ence is missed deeply.' Leaders across party lines paid tributes to former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj on her sixth death anniversary today. Remembered for her oratory, compassion, and dedication to public service, Swa-raj's legacy was hailed by Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju, and others. Swaraj passed away at the age of 67, following a cardiac arrest.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store