Marcos congratulates Indian PM Modi

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday greeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his electoral victory and expressed hope that the ties between Manila and New Delhi would become stronger.

“My warmest congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi for securing a fresh mandate from the Indian electorate,” the President said in an X post.

“The last decade has shown India as a sincere friend to the Philippines & I look forward to the further strengthening of our bilateral and regional partnership in the years ahead,” he added.

The Indian leader won a third term during India’s general election last Tuesday, with his National Democratic Alliance securing 294 seats of the 543 elected seats in the lower house of parliament.

However, the victory was a narrow one and Modi’s party has to rely on allies to form a government, according to reports.

In March, Modi invited Marcos to visit India as their countries are preparing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

The Philippines and India formally established diplomatic relations on Nov. 26, 1949.

During the 20th Association of Southeast Asian Nations - India Summit in Indonesia in 2023, Marcos cited New Delhi’s efforts to support the regional bloc in advocating for peace and stability in the South China Sea.