PBBM returns to PH, sees ‘new era’ of closer ties with India

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

The plane carrying Marcos and the Philippines’ official delegation to India landed at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City at around 8:06 p.m. (PCO file photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in the Philippines on Friday night after his productive five-day inaugural state visit to India, expressing optimism that the “new era” of closer relations will foster progress and prosperity for both countries.

The plane carrying Marcos and the Philippines’ official delegation to India landed at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City at around 8:06 p.m.

In his arrival message, Marcos said he is confident that the elevation of ties with India, which he described as the Philippines’ “good friend” and now strategic partner, will contribute to peace and security in the broader Indo-Pacific region.

“The elevation of our bilateral ties signals our mutual recognition of the complementarity and alignment of our interests, not only in bilateral matters but also in many regional and international issues of critical importance to both our countries,” he said.

“As strategic partners, the Philippines and India enter a new era of closer, multidimensional, and impactful engagement between our countries and our peoples,” Marcos added.

A total of 18 business agreements were sealed during his visit to India, comprising real investments of USD146 million and generating interest for a potential of up to USD5.8 billion, the President noted.

“These span key sectors such as digital infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and IT-BPM (information technology-business process management). From these, real investments are expected to generate more than 4,000 direct jobs, including large-scale employment linked to infrastructure, manufacturing, and renewable energy projects,” he said.

Marcos said the signed agreements include commitments to digital upskilling with a combined value of USD11 million and a projection to train about 26,120 Filipinos in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2026, digital technologies, and cybersecurity to help them become “competitive, future-ready workforce.”

He said the Philippines and India will both benefit from the economic engagements.

“With members of our business delegation, I met with India’s foremost business leaders and investors in New Delhi and Bengaluru. These include those that have already significant investments in the Philippines and also those considering entry into the Philippines,” Marcos said.

“We showcased the strength of our economy, the talent of our people, and the opportunities that await those who choose to invest in the future of the Filipino nation.”

Marcos said his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his top officials also paved the way for the signing of several cooperation agreements between the two nations to “realize the full potential of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.”

“These were on judicial matters; space, science and technology; defense and security; culture; and tourism. I am pleased to be able to say that Prime Minister Modi and I had a real meeting of the minds,” he said.

The President added that he and Modi expressed their commitment to explore collaboration in the development of the Philippines’ digital infrastructure, as well as space cooperation.

He also noted Modi’s pronouncement that Filipinos can now apply for free tourist e-visas to India, following the recent adoption of the 14-day visa-free entry for Indian tourists into the Philippines.

“These positive developments will help improve two-way tourism and stronger linkages between our two countries and peoples,” Marcos said.

The President said he also met with the Filipino community in India to thank them for their important contributions to the Philippine economy, as well as their vital role in promoting the country’s culture abroad and fostering people-to-people ties.