Marcos arrives in India for BRICS Summit

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has arrived in New Delhi, India for the 18th BRICS Summit, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Saturday.

The president departed from Villamor Air Base at around 7:50 p.m. on Friday, Philippine time.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has arrived in New Delhi, India to take part in the 18th BRICS Summit in his capacity as ASEAN Chair and invited outreach country,” the PCO said in a Facebook post.

The BRICS Summit is an annual meet between heads of state as a means of consultation and cooperation on different global issues.

Marcos vowed to carry the ASEAN’s voice to amplify the regional bloc’s perspectives. He said he would use his time to present the region's priorities to BRICS members.

“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 in his departure speech in Pasay City.

“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. We will bring lessons from ASEAN’s track record and long-standing commitment to open and inclusive dialogue, while preserving strategic autonomy,” he added.

Marcos had been invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and is set to have a bilateral meeting with him. The President said that he will also meet with Indian companies and other key players.

This is Marcos’ second trip to India. In August 2025, he also went to India for a five-day state visit. —KG, GMA News