India: PM Modi announces free e-visas to Filipinos during Marcos' visit
The announcement came during a joint press statement by Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who is currently on a five-day state visit to the country.
During the event, both leaders agreed to enhance people-to-people ties and connectivity further.
"We welcome the decision of the Philippines to grant visa-free entry to Indian tourists. India, in turn, has decided to extend the facility of free e-visas to tourists from the Philippines. Efforts will also be made to launch direct flights between Delhi and Manila within this year," PM Modi said.
President Marcos highlighted the Philippines' recent visa-free policy for Indian citizens and thanking India for the reciprocal gesture.
"I reiterated our introduction of visa-free entry privileges and extended our invitation for more Indian tourists to visit the Philippines. I thank Prime Minister Modi in turn for the introduction of a scheme to grant visas free of charge to Filipino tourists travelling to India. We welcome the resumption of direct flights from October this year and have renewed our commitment to sustaining and expanding such direct air connectivity," he stated.
The Ministry of External Affairs also announced direct flights from Delhi to Manila, expected to commence operations from October 1 this year, in a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity between India and the Philippines.
PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the Philippines for strongly condemning the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
"We welcome the Philippines' decision to join the International Fusion Centre established by India for the Indian Ocean Region. We express our sincere gratitude to the Government of the Philippines and to the President for strongly condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and for standing with us in our fight against terrorism," the Prime Minister stated.
President Marcos conveyed the solidarity of the Filipino people with India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack and reiterated the Philippines' firm stance against terrorism.
"As emissaries of our people, I bring with me the enduring friendship of the Filipino nation. I carry the message of our solidarity with India, both over the tragic attack in Pahalgam earlier this year and in the broader fight against terrorism," President Marcos stated.
This visit also marks a historic moment in India-Philippines relations, as the two countries announced the elevation of their ties to a Strategic Partnership as they celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Following their meeting, both leaders declared 13 wide-ranging agreements, with key pacts spanning defence, security, science and technology, tourism, digital cooperation, maritime collaboration, and cultural exchange.
A statement of Intent was also exchanged between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Philippine Space Agency, focused on collaboration in the peaceful uses of outer space.
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