President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday departed for a five-day state visit to India to strengthen bilateral cooperation with one of Asia’s robust economies.

The President’s visit to India is at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Marcos, in his departure speech, described India as a “valued friend of the Philippines,” citing centuries-old cultural ties dating back to pre-colonial times.

Marcos said his trip caps the year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Philippines–India diplomatic relations.

“Our bilateral relations have seen a measured and stable development that is both comprehensive in scope and multifaceted in nature,” he said.

The President emphasized shared democratic values, maritime interests, and regional peace as the foundation for “deeper, broader, and more meaningful bilateral cooperation.”

He said the Philippines and India share a commitment to upholding international maritime law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award favoring the Philippines over China.

“There is much potential for cooperation with India that will mutually benefit our peoples,” Marcos said, identifying defense, trade, health, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, tourism, and digital connectivity as areas for possible collaboration.

In anticipation of his visit, the Philippines announced visa-free entry for Indian travelers to boost tourism.

Marcos said he would personally lead a business delegation to New Delhi and Bengaluru to meet industry leaders, particularly in the information technology (IT) sector.

Bengaluru is known as India’s high-tech center because of its role as the nation’s leading IT exporter.

“I want this visit to bring concrete benefits for the Filipino people, such as more affordable medicine and greater connectivity and food security,” he said.

India is the world’s fourth-largest economy and a rising power in the Indo-Pacific.

Several Indian multinational companies already operate in the Philippines, including in the IT-BPM, pharmaceutical, and telecommunications sectors.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin will serve as government caretaker during Marcos’s trip, along with Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III. (PNA)