PRRD meets with India’s PM Modi

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PPD file photo)

NEW DELHI, India – President Rodrigo Duterte along with a lean delegation arrived here on Wednesday for his participation in the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit.

Duterte’s chartered aircraft touched down at New Delhi International Airport at 5:35 p.m. (India time)

Upon arrival, the President wasted no time and immediately started working as he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, where the Government of India receives visiting foreign dignitaries.

The two leaders discussed how the Philippines and India could further enhance trade and economic relations.

Following the bilateral meeting, the two leaders witnessed the ceremonial exchange of memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two nations.

The MOU was signed between the Board of Investments of the Republic of the Philippines and Invest India of the Republic of India.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez represented the Philippines during the exchange while India Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Preeti Saran represented the Indian government.

Duterte and the other nine leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are in India for the special commemorative summit.

This is his first visit to India as a head of state and his first foreign trip this year.

Duterte will start his activities for the summit on Thursday. Duterte along with other heads of state and heads of government will attend a lunch to be hosted by Indian President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and wife Savita Kovind at the President’s Estate.

The leaders will then attend a retreat session with Prime Minister Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan, which is expected to focus on maritime cooperation and security. This will be followed by the traditional group photo of the leaders.

They will proceed to Hotel Taj Mahal Diplomatic Enclave to witness the release of the ASEAN-India commemorative stamps, which portray the cultural links between the ASEAN countries and India.

The leaders will then hold a plenary session where they are expected to discuss regional and international issues as well as the future course of ASEAN-India relations.

The leaders are also expected to issue the Delhi Declaration of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to mark the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-India relations as an outcome document.

After the meetings, Duterte is expected to share a light moment with the leaders as they are set to see an exhibition featuring 20 paintings of various local artists highlighting India’s ties with ASEAN.

The President’s day will be capped with a cultural programme and banquet to be hosted by Prime Minister Modi.

The following day, President Duterte is expected to participate in India’s Republic Day parade before returning to the Philippines.

Joining the President in his trip are Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Quezon City Representative Feliciano Belmonte and Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa.