By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will hold a series of meetings with Indian government and business leaders during his five-day state visit to India from Aug. 4 to 8, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced Thursday.
The President will visit India upon the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The PCO said, “After official meetings and events in New Delhi, the President and his delegation will travel to Bangalore. He will meet with the business sectors in both cities.”
President Marcos will also meet with the Filipino community in New Delhi.
Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the last Filipino leader to embark on a state visit to India in October 2007.
Meanwhile, former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind embarked on a state visit to the Philippines in October 2019.
The Chief Executive’s visit coincides with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Philippines and India’s bilateral relations.
The Philippines and India formally established diplomatic relations on Nov. 26, 1949, after Manila and New Delhi gained independence in 1946 and 1947, respectively.
Bilateral trade between India and the Philippines reached around USD3.5 billion in 2024, growing 8.6 percent year-on-year, with the balance favoring Indian exporters.
On defense, India also successfully delivered the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines last year. (PNA)
