President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will travel to India on September 12–13 to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, carrying a dual mandate to represent the Philippines and convey the regional interests of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Wednesday.
Marcos’s trip comes at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Philippines anchors its chairmanship of ASEAN this year.
DFA Spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said the two-day summit provides the chief executive a key diplomatic stage to track emerging economic frameworks, champion the interests of Southeast Asia and engage directly with heads of state from major developing economies.
“Through this visit, the President seeks to ensure that our modern partnerships remain open, resilient, and capable of delivering prosperity to our people,” Ratonel said. “President Marcos Jr. will have the opportunity to explain to BRICS members the key priorities of the Philippines as ASEAN Chair. These priorities revolve around the areas of peace and security, people empowerment and prosperity.”
On the sidelines of the summit, Marcos is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi. The two leaders will review the progress of the Philippines-India Strategic Partnership, evaluate the rollout of their five-year plan of action (2025–2029) and deliberate on shared economic concerns.
The President will also meet with Indian business executives to follow up on $5.8 billion in investment pledges generated during his previous visit to India.
Joining the President’s delegation are Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Finance Secretary Frederick Go and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.