“India has been a long-valued friend of the Philippines. Filipinos and Indians have had mutually beneficial interactions since pre-colonial times…Throughout our history, Philippine culture has been deeply enriched by our exchanges with the Indian civilization, which have long influenced our language, our literature, customs, and even our folklore,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said when he delivered his departure statement at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President is embarking on a five-day State Visit to the Republic of India, highlighting the long-standing partnership between the two nations. In his speech, he underscored the steady and stable growth of Philippines–India bilateral relations, describing them as broad in scope and multifaceted in nature. He noted that this cooperation is reflected in sustained diplomatic engagements, deepening cultural and societal ties, stronger economic relations, and expanding institutional linkages across the public and private sectors. “With the Philippines being the oldest constitutional democracy in Asia, and [India being] our continent’s largest democracy, our two countries share several core interests, such as our democratic ideals, our respect for basic freedoms, and the preservation of a rules-based order in the international arena,” he continued. The Chief Executive expressed confidence that the two countries’ shared values and interests would promote deeper and more meaningful cooperation, advancing peace, stability, and prosperity in both nations and across the Indo-Pacific region. “There is much potential for cooperation with India that will mutually benefit our peoples. We intend to explore these by charting a plan of cooperation across a broad spectrum of shared interests: from defense, to trade, investment, health, pharmaceuticals, connectivity, agriculture, tourism, and many other areas,” he added. Furthermore, he will personally lead a business delegation to New Delhi and Bengaluru to meet with key industry leaders, especially in the Information Technology (IT) sector, to explore potential investment opportunities that will benefit both countries. “I want this visit to bring concrete benefits to the people, such as more affordable medicine and greater connectivity and food security. It is incumbent upon us, now more than ever, to maximize the opportunities in trade and investment with the world’s fourth-largest economy… I look forward to a productive visit and much closer Philippines-India relations,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his speech. | Radio Television Malacañang