India External Affairs Minister pays courtesy call on Marcos

Indian Minister for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita paid President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. a courtesy visit on Tuesday at the Study Room of Malacañang Palace.

"On behalf of the people of India, I convey our deep regards to the great nation of the Philippines. This year is a significant milestone as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations," Margherita said.

Marcos expressed optimism about elevating bilateral ties between the two nations.

“The interactions between India and the Philippines have certainly increased in the past few years. And certainly we would like to continue that closeness,” the President told Margherita.

“Well, the plan to elevate the bilateral relations is very interesting because in terms of geopolitical issues. Whereas we used to speak of Pacific or Asia Pacific. It’s now Indo-Pacific. And that’s why I think that the alliances and the partnerships that we make become more and more important,'' he added.

The Philippines and India established diplomatic relations on November 26, 1949.

According to the Embassy of India in Manila, the two countries share strong ties rooted in democratic values, a pluralistic society, the rule of law, an independent judiciary, a free press, and the widespread use of the English language. — DVM/VBL, GMA Integrated News