Marcos departs for India on first state visit

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. departed for India on Monday, August 4, for his first-ever state visit to the country, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Manila and New Delhi.

The presidential flight left Manila in the morning, with an estimated travel time of eight hours.

While abroad, Marcos left Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Education Secretary Edgardo Angara in charge of domestic affairs.

Vice President Sara Duterte, with whom Marcos has had a public falling-out, was again bypassed for the role of caretaker.

Agenda. Marcos is scheduled to visit New Delhi and Bangalore, where he will meet with Indian government and business leaders. In the capital, he is set to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Economic and defense cooperation are expected to top the agenda.

Joining the trip are key members of the Philippine economic team, including Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.

Trade between the two countries has grown steadily, with bilateral commerce valued at $3.5 billion as of 2024.

Focus. Beyond economic discussions, Marcos and Modi are expected to review defense and security cooperation. The Philippines has recently expanded its military ties with India through joint maritime patrols and a missile procurement deal.

At least six agreements are slated to be signed during the visit, covering areas such as legal cooperation, science, and technology.