Philippines President Welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan

New Delhi In a ceremony marked by tradition, dignity, and mutual respect, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was formally welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday morning, receiving a ceremonial Guard of Honor as he commenced his first official visit to India.

The visit holds special significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines. Ties between the two countries were formally established in November 1949, shortly after India’s independence, and have continued to evolve, touching key areas such as defense, trade, maritime cooperation, and digital innovation.

President Marcos Jr., who assumed office in 2022, was received at the presidential palace with full honors by Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The lush front lawns of Rashtrapati Bhavan set the backdrop for the formal welcome ceremony, which included a grand military band performance, the national anthems of both countries, and a proud Guard of Honor.

Dressed in traditional Barong Tagalog, President Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude and excitement about strengthening the Indo-Philippines relationship. “India and the Philippines share democratic values, cultural ties, and a common vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. I look forward to meaningful discussions and long-term partnerships,” he said during a brief media interaction.

Throughout the visit, both sides are expected to hold comprehensive talks focused on deepening cooperation in strategic areas such as defense technology, counter-terrorism, climate resilience, semiconductor manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and regional security in the South China Sea. The Indo-Pacific region continues to be an area of strategic interest for both nations, especially in the wake of growing regional tensions.

Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that several bilateral agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during this visit. This includes collaboration in renewable energy, cybersecurity, fintech innovation, and maritime connectivity.

President Marcos Jr. is also scheduled to attend high-level meetings with Indian business leaders in New Delhi, seeking enhanced investments in infrastructure and digital economy sectors back in the Philippines. A cultural event hosted in his honor will showcase the shared heritage and evolving people-to-people connections between the two nations.

Analysts see this visit as a clear signal of India’s growing engagement with Southeast Asia, especially under its “Act East” policy. For the Philippines, it’s a timely move to diversify its partnerships amid changing geopolitical dynamics.

The ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan wasn’t just a diplomatic formality — it was a celebration of a longstanding friendship entering a new era of possibility. As the day progressed, Marcos Jr. visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, a customary and symbolic gesture during state visits to India.

With optimism on both sides and history on their shoulders, this visit is expected to usher in a renewed phase of collaboration between the two vibrant democracies.

Let me know if you’d like a Hindi version, carousel captions for social media, or key quote highlights.