President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. headed to India’s southern city of Bengaluru on Thursday morning, marking the second part of his five-day state visit to India following a productive three-day leg here in the Indian capital.

The plane carrying Marcos and his delegation left Palam Air Force Station past 8:30 a.m. local time (11 a.m. Manila time).

Marcos so far described his inaugural visit to India as “remarkably productive”, citing “very openness and the willingness from both sides” to develop and deepen collaboration.

While in New Delhi, Marcos met with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with both countries agreeing to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.

The President also oversaw the signing of key agreements on defense, maritime cooperation, health, tourism, space research, and digital technology among others.

He addressed Indian business leaders, engaged with Filipino community members, and delivered a foreign policy speech at the Observer Research Foundation, where he underscored the importance of forging coalitions with like-minded states to uphold peace and international law in the Indo-Pacific.

In a televised interview with India’s Firstpost, Marcos bared that the Philippines is in the process of acquiring more BrahMos supersonic missiles from India as part of its military modernization program.

The President is expected to meet with tech and innovation leaders in Bengaluru, as the Philippines looks to deepen cooperation in digital transformation and emerging technologies.

Bengaluru is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India” due to its thriving technology industry and startup ecosystem. (PNA)