President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will fly to New Delhi, India later this week to take part in the 18th BRICS Summit on Sept. 12-13, upon the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BRICS is an international organization currently comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

In a Palace briefing Wednesday, DFA Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Analyn Ratonel said the President is attending the summit in his capacity as ASEAN 2026 chair.

The bloc will tackle global economic uncertainties, new digital public infrastructure, and collective climate action, while giving President Marcos the chance to explain to BRICS members the Philippines’ priorities as ASEAN 2026 chair, Ratonel said.

“Ang pakikilahok na ito ay isang strategic opportunity upang subaybayan ang mga emerging economic frameworks at i-representa ang mga prayoridad at pananaw ng rehiyon, habang direktang nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga pinuno ng mga major emerging economies (This participation serves as a strategic opportunity to monitor emerging economic frameworks and represent the region’s priorities and perspectives, while directly engaging with leaders of major emerging economies),” she said.

On the sidelines, Marcos will meet with Modi to discuss the progress of the Philippines-India Strategic Partnership, review the implementation of the five-year plan of action for 2025–2029, and continue exchanging views on economic matters affecting the people.

The President likewise is set to meet with Indian business leaders to follow up on their investment pledges during his state visit to India last year.

Marcos brought home some USD5.8 billion in investment pledges during his five-day state visit to India in August 2025 in what he described as one of his most productive foreign trips.

Asked whether the Philippines is considering joining BRICS, Ratonel said the matter requires “further study” and “close monitoring,” including the experiences of other Southeast Asian countries that have joined the bloc.

“As of now, since the invitation was extended to him in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, the Philippines will continue to monitor developments in the region and engage constructively where appropriate to advance our interest,” she said.

The President will be joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda and Finance Secretary Frederick Go during the trip. (PNA)