Marcos heads to New Delhi to attend BRICS Summit

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday evening left for New Delhi, India, to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, bringing with him a vow to amplify the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (Asean) outlook on pressing global issues.

Marcos departed Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 7:50 p.m., accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, and Finance Secretary Frederick Go.

READ: Marcos to attend BRICS summit in New Delhi from Sep. 12-13

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“In this role, I will carry Asean’s voice to the Summit and help amplify our Community’s perspectives on the issues of our time, guided by the priorities of our Chairship—peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment,” Marcos said in his departure statement.

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“We will engage the BRICS community— whose ranks include four of our fellow Asean Member States—on advancing our quest for peace, inclusive growth, regional resilience, sustainable development, food and energy security, and a rules-based international order.”

Marcos said he will present the priorities of the regional bloc to the BRICS members and highlight commitment to deepen its engagement with its partners through established frameworks.

Additionally, he will offer views on how partners can work to address challenges, especially those that impact developing countries and emerging economies.

READ: India, China thaw: 5 things to know as Xi heads to Delhi

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“We will call for fairer global governance, stronger disaster preparedness, the responsible use of new technologies, climate action, and the peaceful settlement of disputes under international law,” he said.

He added, “We will bring lessons from Asean’s track record and long-standing commitment to open and inclusive dialogue, while preserving strategic autonomy. Secondly, I return to India to further drive forward and provide practical substance to our engagement.”

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In his bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Marcos said they will track the two nations’ progress in the key areas of Strategic Partnership and pick up on their governments’ sustained exchange of perspectives on broader economic and strategic questions.

The two leaders will also review the progress in the implementation of the Five-Year Plan of Action for 2025–2029, as well as defense and maritime cooperation, trade and investment, the proposed Preferential Trade Agreement, health and pharmaceuticals, digital cooperation, tourism, direct air connectivity, and people-to-people ties.

“Business and the economy are also important pillars of our ties with India.  While in New Delhi,

“I likewise look forward to engaging Indian companies and players on why the Philippines should be part of their growth story,” he said.

“They will have plenty of opportunities to consider in infrastructure, digitalization, IT, pharmaceuticals, transport and logistics, and other sectors critical to our development,” he added.

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Marcos said he will renew the invitation to Modi to visit Manila in turn for the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Summit in November.  /dp