By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In a briefing on Wednesday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Analyn Ratonel announced the upcoming Indian trip of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on September 12-13.
ASec. Ratonel noted that the President’s visit to New Delhi is part of his attendance at the 18th BRICS Summit upon the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He will be accompanied by DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, and Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Frederick Go, who will serve as part of the Philippine delegation.
During the Summit, President Marcos Jr. is expected to raise the Philippines’ top priorities as the chair of ASEAN 2026, and engage in dialogue with BRICS member countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and UAE.
At the sidelines of the Summit, he is also expected to engage with Indian business leaders to follow up on the progress of the dealings established by both nations during his 2025 state visit, as well as meet with PM Modi to discuss the following agenda:
- Discuss the progress of PH-India strategic partnership
- Monitor implementation of five-year plan of action (2025-2029)
- Continue economic exchanges that resonate with peoples of both nations
The DFA official went on to discuss some key topics that will be discussed at the Summit, which includes technology, health, energy, flood mitigation, climate resiliency, and infrastructure, without divulging further details that would preempt the event.
BRICS is an 11-nation bloc originally established in 2006 with Brazil, India, and China serving as its founding members upon its inception, with South Africa eventually joining the fray in 2010.
Other member countries of this intergovernmental organization are as follows:
- Belarus
- Bolivia
- Cuba
- Kazakhstan
- Malaysia
- Nigeria
- Thailand
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
The 18th BRICS Summit marks 20 years that have eclipsed since the group was formed and will serve as the first in-person meeting of the bloc, which has grown over the years to accommodate new member and partner countries.
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