President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wrapped up a five-day State Visit to India on Thursday, returning to Manila with USD 446 million in confirmed investments and up to USD 5.8 billion in potential projects across key sectors such as digital infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and IT-BPM.
The agreements are expected to generate over 4,000 direct jobs and provide digital training for more than 26,000 Filipinos by 2026.
The visit, which Marcos described as “one of the most productive and constructive” of his presidency, marked the elevation of Philippine–India ties to a Strategic Partnership, enabling closer cooperation in defense, trade, space exploration, and other emerging sectors.
Warm welcome and ‘Karaoke diplomacy’
Marcos began his visit on August 4 by meeting the Filipino community in New Delhi, praising overseas workers and joining a lively “Karaoke diplomacy” session with Cabinet members and OFWs.
On August 5, Marcos and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi oversaw the signing of 13 agreements covering defense, maritime cooperation, science and technology, tourism, digital innovation, and cultural exchange.
India also lifted its export ban on non-basmati rice, a move seen to bolster Philippine food security, while Modi announced free e-visas for Filipino tourists in reciprocity for Manila’s visa-free entry for Indians.
Direct flights between Manila and India will resume in October, and a commemorative stamp marking 75 years of diplomatic relations will be issued.
Business deals and investment push
Marcos addressed top business leaders at the Philippines–India CEO Roundtable, pitching the country as having “the most open and liberal” investment environment in its history. Among the highlighted projects was the USD 3–4 billion Sangley Aerocity Project in Cavite with India’s GMR Group.
In Bengaluru, the country’s tech hub, the President witnessed the signing of 18 more MOUs and LOIs, expanding cooperation in renewable energy, healthcare, education, and digital services.
Domestic concerns addressed abroad
Even while abroad, Marcos ordered a 60-day suspension of rice imports starting September 1 to protect local farmers from falling palay prices due to cheaper imports and a global surplus.
In a speech at the Observer Research Foundation, Marcos urged Indo-Pacific nations to uphold international law, strengthen maritime security, and promote stability through ASEAN cooperation.
The President returns to the Philippines confident that the visit will accelerate economic growth and open new opportunities for collaboration between Manila and New Delhi.